Dhule-based college to offer Diploma in herbal science

Mumbai, Apr 11 (UNI) In a first of its kind endeavour to generate qualified herbal practitioners and scientists in the country, a Dhule-based college has rolled out a one-year diploma programme in Herbal Science and Technology for students interested in pursuing a career in the growing herbal industry.

Addressing reporters at the Patrakar Sangh here today, chairman of the governing council of Chaitanyavan College of Herbal Science and Technology Chetankumar M Jain said India has colleges catering to degrees and diplomas to all types of vocations, but a college offering an academic programme in herbal science was absent in the present set-up.

He pointed out that China was one of the few countries in the world which offers degree programmes and training in herbal science and Chinese herbal practitioners are revolutionising the herbal practice and business of herbal science all over the world.

Although India is blessed with herbs, shrubs and the knowledge of Ayurveda, the country and its institutions have failed to produce herbal scientists and practitioners to support 6,000 crore growing herbal industry.

''Chaitanyavan college will be introducing a three-year degree programme, Master's and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in herbal science from 2008 in a phased manner,'' he said.

''Our college has been built according to international standards to accomodate global students and will also have eminent foreign faculties visiting the instituion to deliver lectures,'' he informed.

Spread over 25 acres of green land, and affiliated to the Y B Chavan Open University, the College has developed herbal gardens around the faculty for research and other cultivation projects. In addition, there is an Astral Garden and a seperate halls of residence for boys and girls with independent rooms.

The one-year diploma programme in Herbal Science and Technology is expected to start this July by admitting 60 candidates.

The education fee for the diploma programme is pegged at Rs 45,000 each (two semesters). In addiiton, Rs 27,000 each (two semester) as hostel fee and a laboratory deposit of Rs 5000.

UNI