PAU Botanical Garden to be rejuvenated, rare species to be conserved

Ludhiana, July 12, 2023: The Botanical Garden at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, is set to be rejuvenated under the ‘Clean and Green Campus Drive’ initiated by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal. The garden houses a rich heritage of plants, including rare medicinal, aromatic, and spice plants. It also has a large collection of cacti, with more than 50 varieties.

The rejuvenation of the garden will include adding new species, restoring and conserving the existing ones, implementing a tagging and QR coding system for each plant, and safeguarding rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species. Volunteers from the National Service Scheme at PAU will also actively participate in the upkeep and improving the overall infrastructure of the garden.

During an interaction with experts from the streams of Botany, Forestry, Floriculture and Landscaping as well as from the offices of the Estate Organization and Chief Engineer, Dr S.S. Gosal emphasized that the rejuvenation of the Botanical Garden is in line with the university's commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Flora including orchids, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, RET species and medicinal plants will be added to the existing stash of vegetation. He further informed that the goal is to create a space that is both an educational and enjoyable resource for students, researchers, and visitors alike.

Explaining the significance of such ethnobotanical gardens in education and the revitalization of traditional knowledge, Dr Gosal opined that they provide a learning setting where students can explore and learn about medicinal plants and herbal medicines. Furthermore, the rejuvenation of the Botanical Garden at PAU will contribute to faunal biodiversity as native vegetation promotes the diversity of insects and other fauna, he claimed.

Dr Gosal revealed that botanical gardens have a long tradition of plant propagation and trade, supplying plants for agriculture, medicine, and ornamentation. Additionally, they have the potential in increasing agricultural awareness and highlighting the importance of natural biodiversity. These gardens attract a diverse range of visitors who may not have a strong connection to agriculture. These visitors represent a unique audience with whom agricultural awareness can be increased, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices and the interdependence between agriculture and natural ecosystems, he concluded.

Dr Gosal invited the public to support the Botanical Garden and learn more about the plants that are being preserved and restored.