Date:25/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/25/stories/2008082558260300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

New course introduced

Special Correspondent

VISAKHAPATNAM: The PG diploma in phytopharma technology, a UGC-sponsored inter-disciplinary programme, was introduced in the MVR College of Postgraduate Studies in Gajuwaka here recently.

Two semesters

UGC has sanctioned Rs.35.70 lakhs to start the programme being run by the Department of Botany, Chemistry, Microbiology and Biochemistry of the college.

It is a two-semester course that provides training to M.Sc. degree holders in botany, bio-chemistry, microbiology and organic chemistry in identifying different plant groups, phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of plants of medicinal value and in techniques used for morphological, microscopic, physico-chemical and biological evaluation of drugs in medicinal plant bio-technology (tissue culture), according to Secretary and Correspondent of the college V. Rama Rao. The candidates would receive training in the identification and importance of medicinal plants by visiting forest areas and herbal institutes. They have to submit a dissertation on a medicinal plant. Candidates having this diploma will have opportunities in the Ayurveda, herbal and pharmaceutical industries.

Andhra University Vice-Chancellor B. Satyanarayana inaugurated the course and the laboratory. He also inaugurated the Library SOUL Package. Principal A. Balakrishna, and others participated.