ITANAGAR, 21 Aug: A training programme on plant taxonomy, with special emphasis on mushrooms, was organised by the Botanical Survey of India's (BSI) Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre (APRC) on Thursday. It witnessed the participation of faculty members and students from various institutions.

The programme commenced with remarks by BSI APRG HoO Dr Krishna Chowlu, followed by a lecture by Rajiv Gandhi University Horticulture HoD Dr Arindam Barman.

A special lecture on plant taxonomy was delivered by HU Academic Affairs Dean Dr Raja Hussain, who highlighted the importance of plant taxonomy in the identification, scientific naming and classification of plants, as well as its significance for biodiversity documentation, research and conservation.

The programme also included an address by State Horticulture, Research and Development Institute Director Dr Egam Basar, followed by an address by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng.

The highlight of the programme was a special lecture on mushroom, delivered by BSI Director Dr Kanad Das, who shared valuable insights into mushrooms and their scientific importance.

HU had a notable presence in the training programme. The university was represented by Dr Hussain, Agriculture HoD Dr Sonbeer Chack, and Botany HoD Dr Pyonim Lungphi. Around 30 students from HU's agriculture and botany departments participated in the training programme.

For the students, the event provided an opportunity to interact with experts in plant taxonomy and gain exposure to the practical and scientific aspects of plant identification, classification, biodiversity and conservation.

The training programme concluded with an emphasis on the need to promote greater awareness and capacity-building in plant taxonomy and biodiversity conservation, particularly among young students and researchers.