Aims and Objectives
The Centre was established to cover development oriented research, training and teaching on survival, adaptation and productivity of mountain plants. Thus the major objectives of the Centre are:
- To undertake fundamental and applied studies on mountain plants.
- To undertake studies on conservation of endangered plant species.
- To set up demonstration units.
- Teaching and information diffusion.
- Framework of functioning
The activities of the Centre are organized under following groups:
- Seed biology and physiology of reproduction in threatened/endangered species and wild edibles.
- Biomass production potential in mountain plant species.
- Physiology and biochemistry of adaptation in high altitude plants.
Training and Teaching
- Ph.D. programme in the proposed fields of research.
- Environmental Plant Biology course at M.Phil. level.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Certificate Course on Biotechniques of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Short term orientation course in nursery practices, plant form and functions, conservation
of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and environmental management.
- To develop package of practices for the cultivation of endangered MAPs and mountain
- Establishment of nursery and demonstration units.
- Demonstration unit on revegetation of wasteland in mountains.
- Publication and consultation in relevant fields.
The Centre has its Main Building and Laboratory at Srinagar Garhwal and Field Station at Tungnath. The main building at Srinagar has an analytical laboratory (800 sq.m), four glass houses and a net house. In addition, a Medicinal Plant Biotechnology Laboratory has also been set up at Srinagar hosing tissue culture labs, green houses and analytical laboratories.
The Alpine Research Station of the Centre in 10 acres land is situated at Tungnath (3600 m a.s.l.). This Station has residential facilities and Weather Monitoring System. At present the Garden at this station has about 50 rare species of alpine herbs and more will be added to this collection in coming years. In addition to this, a sub-station for medicinal plants has been established at Pothibasa (2200 m).
Alpine field station Tungnath (3600m)
Main Laboratory at Srinagar, Garhwal (550m)
Alpine Field Station, Tungnath (3600 m)
Demonstration site at Pothibasa (2200m)
A small library is housed in the Centre which contains important reference books. So far, nearly 1000 accessions of books have been procured and more are being added regularly. The Centre has been subscribing to 14 Indian and 4 foreign journals. This facility is frequently used by the researchers from other departments and institutions.