Shillong: Meghalaya Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar on Wednesday cautioned that monoculture practices pose serious risks to ecological stability, urging greater emphasis on biodiversity to ensure environmental and economic resilience.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 48th All India Botanical Conference and International Symposium on “Biology and Biotechnology of Plant Diversity for Bioeconomy” at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, the governor described biodiversity as the cornerstone of India’s bioresource wealth and sustainable growth.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s contribution to the bioeconomy, Vijayashankar pointed out that the state’s turmeric, with a curcumin content of 8.9 per cent, is among the highest in the country — underscoring its vast potential in biotechnological and agricultural innovation.
He called on scientists, researchers, and policymakers to encourage sustainable agricultural models that protect genetic diversity while supporting rural livelihoods.
Commending NEHU’s leadership in advancing botanical research, the governor urged the university to strengthen its role as a hub for scientific collaboration and innovation in the Northeast.
The three-day conference, being held from October 29 to 31, marks the first time the annual event of the Indian Botanical Society is being hosted in the region.
The ceremony opened with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the felicitation of distinguished guests, including eminent botanists from across India.
Prof. S.K. Barik, president of the Indian Botanical Society, welcomed participants and described the meet as a milestone for Northeast India.
Prof. Umdor, Pro-Vice Chancellor of NEHU, and Prof. Seshu Lavania, the society’s secretary, spoke about the university’s vibrant research environment and the society’s contribution to botanical education.
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Guest of honour Prof. Anil Tripathi, Director of IISER Mohali, announced Meghalaya’s adoption of the CSIR Aroma Mission to promote aromatic crop-based livelihoods and proposed a nationally standardised plant science syllabus to strengthen higher education.
Padma Shri awardee Prof. Sudhir Sopory discussed ongoing UGC-led reforms in science curricula and the need for improved faculty recruitment.
He also touched on cutting-edge work in biodiversity research, herbarium genomics, and space biology.
Over the next three days, the event will host scientific sessions, keynote lectures, and discussions on plant diversity, biotechnology, and bioeconomic strategies, reinforcing NEHU’s growing reputation as a centre for botanical excellence and sustainable innovation.
