Workshop: Underutilized Medicinal Plants
Underfoot and Underrated: The Hidden Benefits of Medicinal Weeds
Date: 7.11.2024 to 8.11.2024
Report
A two-day workshop on "Underutilized Medicinal Plants: Underfoot and Underrated" was held on 7th and 8th November 2024 Organized by Dr.Shalu Vyas from the Department of Agriculture, the workshop brought together students, faculty, and staff to explore the hidden potential of medicinal plants commonly identified as weeds.
The workshop, led by eminent experts Dr.Parshotam Singh and Dr. Vikrant Jaryan, offered a platform to delve into the ecological, medicinal, and practical uses of underutilized plants. The sessions aimed to dispel myths and raise awareness about the value of these plants in traditional and modern healthcare systems.
The session start with the lecture, "Introduction to Underutilized Medicinal Plants: Myths and Realities," delivered by Dr.Parshotam Singh, provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the historical and current perspectives on medicinal weeds. Following this, Dr. Vikrant Jaryan presented a session on "Identifying Medicinal Weeds: Morphology, Growth, and Habitats," equipping attendees with field-based knowledge to recognize and understand the characteristics of these plants.
The highlight of the workshop was a field identification and sample collection activity facilitated by both experts, where participants actively engaged in locating, identifying, and collecting samples of medicinal weeds from the university’s agricultural farm. This hands-on experience emphasized the practical application of the knowledge gained during the lectures.
The workshop objectives included raising awareness of the medicinal value of weeds, providing field identification techniques, and discussing their ecological significance. Participants were also exposed to real-life case studies that showcased successful applications of medicinal weeds in various domains.
The workshop concluded with enthusiastic participation and positive feedback, underlining its success in meeting its objectives. By highlighting the untapped potential of medicinal weeds, this event marked a significant step towards sustainable resource utilization and increased awareness of alternative medicinal practices.