A botanical garden on the University of Calicut campus at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The Department of Botany at the University of Calicut (CU) plans to establish an Interdisciplinary Center for Plant Taxonomy and Bioprospecting to enhance biodiversity conservation and research.
According to university sources, ₹3.6 crore has been sanctioned for the project, implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme. Both the Union and state governments participate in it. The building for the center is under construction. Preparatory work will be coordinated through the taxonomic laboratories at the Department of Botany. Studies linking other scientific fields, such as molecular biology, phytochemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnology, will be followed up. Santhosh Nampy, senior professor, is the project director, while Manju C. Nair, associate professor, will be the joint director. Adjunct faculty members are Professor P. Sunoj Kumar and Assistant Professor C. Pramod. MK Pradeep, former Assistant Professor, will function as Visiting Scientist.
Sources say the aim is to combine traditional methods of plant taxonomy with advanced technology. The university syndicate has already granted approval for the project, which should lead to multidimensional research and sustainable use of plant resources. As part of this, plant surveys will be conducted in places like the Western Ghats, North Eastern States and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The samples collected during the surveys will be preserved in the botanical garden on the university campus, which has been declared a biodiversity monument.
Published – 28 Feb 2026 19:39 IST
