Srinagar: To provide a platform for experts, researchers, students, orchid growers and policy planners from across the country to discuss innovative strategies for orchid preservation, sustainable cultivation and cutting-edge pharmacological applications a three-day National conference cum workshop started at University of Kashmir (KU) here on Monday.
Titled ‘Excellence in Ornamental and Medicinal Orchids: Bridging Gaps in Innovation, Cultivation, Conservation, and Resource Development of Orchid-Based Pharmacological Advances & Orchid Show’ the conference is being organized by the Department of Botany KU, in association with The Orchid Society of India (TOSI) and in collaboration with the Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan stressed on the varsity`s commitment to nurturing innovation and preserving botanical heritage.
“Our university will serve as a platform for startups and research in orchid cultivation, helping bridge the gap between scientific advancements and commercial opportunities,” she said.
Director BSI, Dr. A.A. Mao, in his special remarks, highlighted the timely relevance of the conference and said “Safeguarding floral diversity is crucial for strengthening the bio-economy of our country and initiatives like this will yield long-term benefits.”
Secretary TOSI, Prof. Promila Pathak, emphasized the role of shared knowledge in driving orchid research and innovation while Deputy General Manager, NABARD J&K, Shri Surinder Singh, highlighted the economic potential of orchids and the need to promote ventures in floriculture and medicinal plant research.
Head, Department of Botany KU, Prof. Aijaz Wani, shared the aims and objectives of the program while President TOSI, Prof. A.K. Bhatnagar, in his welcome address, stressed on the importance of Kashmir’s horticultural tradition and the challenges posed by climate change in preserving natural heritage.
The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Zahoor A. Kaloo, faculty at Department of Botany KU and local organising secretary of the program.
The inaugural session featured the release of TOSI Journal, the TOSI Newsletter, a souvenir and a book ‘Trees and Shrubs of Kashmir: A Phenology Field Guide.’
The program also features an orchid exhibition, poster presentations, TOSI executive council meeting, and an on-the-spot painting competition for school children to showcase the rich diversity of orchid culture and artistic expression.
