The Plant Tissue Culture skill enhancement course was initiated under the UGCF 2022, although the facility was established by the college with the initiation of the semester system. This controlled environment facility provided the specialized conditions for growth of several important plants and microbes to conduct daily experiments for several core courses in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Biotechnology, Industrial & Environmental Microbiology since 2009. The facility was used to conduct the experiments for course Post-Graduate Diploma in Nanotechnology (PGDN) during 2009-13, Innovation Project Grant 2013-14 , provide the experiential training for hitherto demonstration experiments under the Star College Scheme of Department of Biotechnology 2009-2015 and several student projects under different core papers. In the last academic session 32 students from humanities, commerce, life sciences chemistry and zoology were trained in the different aspects of this technical course that is an important industry supporting farmers. In addition, faculty members are standardizing the protocols for regular in vitro production of plant varieties to support classroom experiments, research material and establish plants to greenhouse for further testing.
In addition a Short Term Course on “Preservation & Conservation of Plants - Techniques & Technologies in Plant Tissue Culture” will be conducted this semester to sustain the facility as a training centre. The facility is equipped with Laminar flow cabinets, Autoclaves, Incubators, and other instruments to facilitate the experiential learning. Under the “Atharvan” Skill Development Centre, further development of this facility is envisioned.