Pharmacy Department

Pharmacognosy Tour 2026 Theme: Collection of native plants for herbarium at Sialsuk” (An activity under IQAC Programme)

• 08-08-2026

Objectives:-a.       This tour aims to provide opportunity for students to have field study on native plants. Students will be introduced to the process of specimen collection, pressing, mounting, and labelling for herbarium. This hands-on experience will make the students to understand the significance of herbaria in documenting and cataloging plant diversity. b.      Students will try to identify their selected plants through Google lens which will further be identified by sending the herbarium Botanical Survey of India. c.       Students will learn to cooperate with their group mates and learn to work as a team to complete their task properly.Brief description of the activities:The Department of Pharmacy organized a Pharmacognosy Tour 2026 to Sialsuk Village and Hmuifang Ecological Park with the objective of providing students with practical exposure to medicinal and native plant identification, collection, processing, and herbarium preparation.Sialsuk Village was selected as one of the major destinations for the tour as it was recognized as the “Best Tourism Village of India 2024” by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Sialsuk Tlang offers picturesque and breathtaking landscapes and is surrounded by relatively unexplored forests rich in diverse vegetation. The area therefore provided an excellent opportunity for students to observe and document the local plant diversity.The tour commenced at 9:30 AM, when two buses carrying the students and faculty members departed from the Department of Pharmacy. The group reached Sialsuk at approximately 11:30 AM. Upon arrival, the students were divided into different groups and guided in the systematic collection of plant specimens. Each group collected suitable plant materials for pharmacognostic study and herbarium preparation. The collected specimens were carefully cleaned, properly arranged, and pressed following standard herbarium preparation procedures.Lunch was served at 1:30 PM, after which the students continued their exploration of the surrounding forest areas. During the field visit, students had the opportunity to observe various native plants in their natural habitats and gain practical knowledge regarding plant identification, specimen collection, morphological characteristics, and the importance of conserving medicinal and indigenous plant resources.At approximately 3:30 PM, the group departed from Sialsuk and proceeded towards Hmuifang Ecological Park, reaching the destination at around 4:30 PM. Hmuifang Ecological Park, also known as Hmuifang Tlang, is a scenic tourist destination renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Situated on Hmuifang Mountain at an elevation of approximately 1,619 metres, the area is characterized by extensive forest cover and pristine natural surroundings.The students explored the ecological park and observed the diverse vegetation and natural environment of the region. The visit provided an additional opportunity for students to appreciate the ecological significance of forest ecosystems and understand the importance of conserving biodiversity and native plant resources.Following the exploration of Hmuifang Ecological Park, the group departed for Aizawl. The Pharmacognosy Tour 2026 served as an important experiential learning activity, allowing students to connect theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom with practical field-based observations. The tour also enhanced their understanding of medicinal plant identification, collection, preservation, herbarium preparation, and biodiversity conservation.As part of the post-tour academic activity, each group of students was instructed to prepare and submit a properly labelled herbarium specimen of standard size, incorporating the collected plant material and relevant botanical information according to the prescribed guidelines. Overall, the Pharmacognosy Tour 2026 was an educational and enriching experience that strengthened the students’ practical skills in pharmacognosy while promoting awareness of the rich botanical heritage and ecological importance of Mizoram.Outcome/ Impact:- a.       Students have the opportunity to observe native plants, learn about collection of plants for herbarium and their importance. Their experience is expected to result in better interaction among the students and they are expected to learn to work together as a team. Students are expected to have more awareness for preserving our environment.