Bhubaneswar: Students and visitors to Maa Manikeshwari University, Bhawanipatna, in Kalahandi district can now access information about diverse flora, especially medicinal plants, on the campus by simply scanning a QR code attached to each plant or tree on their mobile phones. The move will help them appreciate the biodiversity and foster a deeper understanding of nature, vice-chancellor Sanjay Kumar Satapathy said.
By scanning the QR code, one can obtain valuable information about the plant, including its botanical name, family, Odia, Hindi and English names, plant description, traditional value and its various benefits, including medicinal uses.University authorities have put QR codes on around 100 trees so far and plan to expand the initiative in the near future.
“This innovative approach aims to educate people, particularly students, who may not be familiar with the different plant species on the campus. The first QR code was fixed on a chandan (sandalwood) tree,” said Satapathy on Sunday.
He said the university took up the initiative in the honour of Padma Shri awardee Patayat Sahu, a traditional healer who has planted around 3,000 medicinal plants in his backyard. “The university aims to plant more than 500 saplings on July 26. We are in the process of becoming a green university,” he added.
The university has also established a herbarium with the support of the forest department to facilitate long-term study and preservation of plants.
“I scanned the QR codes on trees and found their traits and benefits. This system is a great way to learn about the plants,” said Gananath Bag, a UG student.

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