Meghalaya Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar has cautioned against widespread monoculture practices, warning that over-reliance on single-crop cultivation risks causing severe ecological imbalance. He stressed that safeguarding biodiversity is essential not only for the environment but also for long-term economic stability and sustainable rural livelihoods. Speaking at the 48th All India Botanical Conference and International Symposium on Plant Diversity and Bioeconomy at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong, the Governor said biodiversity remains the bedrock of India’s bioresource wealth. He urged policymakers, scientists, and institutions to focus on sustainable agricultural models that protect genetic diversity and encourage community-led conservation.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s natural strengths, Vijayashankar pointed out that the state’s turmeric leads the country with a curcumin content of 8.9%, underscoring its potential in India’s growing bioeconomy. “We must promote agricultural systems that strengthen biodiversity and support local livelihoods,” he said, calling for science-driven policies and grassroots participation. The Governor commended NEHU’s leadership in advancing botanical research and encouraged the university to enhance its role as a centre for innovation and collaboration. He also invited visiting delegates to experience Meghalaya’s ecological and cultural richness, saying the state presents a successful model of balancing development with nature conservation.
The three-day conference, running from October 29 to 31, marks the first time the prestigious Indian Botanical Society has held its annual meeting in the Northeast. The inaugural session included the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the felicitation of distinguished botanists from across India. Indian Botanical Society president Prof. S.K. Barik described the event as a milestone for the region, while NEHU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Umdor and Society Secretary Prof. Seshu Lavania praised NEHU’s expanding research ecosystem. Guest of Honour Prof. Anil Tripathi, Director of IISER Mohali, announced Meghalaya’s adoption of the CSIR Aroma Mission to promote livelihoods through aromatic crops, and called for a unified national syllabus for plant sciences.