Gangtok, February 28 (IPR): The second and concluding day of the two-day National Level Training Workshop on Survey and Documentation of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, organised by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Gangtok, in collaboration with the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, was held at the conference hall of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Pangthang, today.
The programme began with a guided visit to various laboratories. The visit was supervised by Scientist–D, GBPNIHE, SRC Sikkim, Dr Sandeep Rawat, Research Officer Botany, RARI Sikkim, Dr Jagdish Chandra Arya, Research Officer Ayurveda, RARI Sikkim, Dr Lijima C and Dr Mayank Joshi from the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment.
At the Analytical Laboratory, participants were briefed on soil nutrient analysis and fertility assessment and their importance in supporting agricultural practices. Experts also demonstrated spring water testing procedures, identifying potential health risks and explaining scientific methods adopted for the revival and restoration of springs.
During the visit to the Dendrochronology Laboratory, participants were introduced to the study of tree rings for assessing tree health, pollution levels and climatic variations through growth pattern analysis.
At the Tissue Culture Laboratory, deliberations focused on habitat degradation, plant-based livelihoods and conservation strategies. Experts elaborated on lab-to-field cultivation techniques, highlighting the propagation of rare and endangered medicinal plant species under controlled conditions, followed by acclimatisation in natural environments to ensure sustainable survival.
The technical session featured three expert presentations. Assistant Research Officer, Botany, CCRAS-CARI, Kolkata, Dr Animesh Sen delivered a presentation on Field to Figures – Documentation Strategies and Quantitative Analysis of Ethnomedicinal Practices.
Scientist–G, Plant Physiology Discipline, Division of Genetics and Tree Improvement, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Dr Sanatan Barthwal spoke on Hydroponic Cultivation of Medicinal Plants.
Former Scientist, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and Founder, EV Research and Coordinator, Bio-statistics Institute of Green Economy, Dehradun, Dr Raman Nautiyal delivered a session on Planning Sample Survey for Assessing Economic Value, Availability and Demand-Supply of Medicinal Plants.
Earlier, Scientist–D, GBPNIHE, SRC Sikkim, Dr Sandeep Rawat and his team conducted a field visit within the premises, acquainting scholars with ongoing research initiatives and conservation efforts related to biodiversity and medicinal plants.
The programme was attended by the Director, Geological Survey of India, Dr Prashant T Ilankar, Head, Spices Board Research Station, Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Dr John Joe Verghese, Regional Head, GBPNIHE Sikkim, Dr Rajesh Joshi, Assistant Director In-charge, CCRAS-RARI Sikkim, Dr Achintya Mitra, along with research scholars, practitioners, students and other dignitaries.
The workshop concluded with an interactive session, feedback from participants and distribution of certificates.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ayurveda Consultant, RARI Gangtok, Dr Sumit Kumar Lata.