Workshop focuses on use of foldscope in agriculture

SHILLONG: A three-day workshop on foldscope, or paper microscope, at ICAR Complex in Umiam that concluded on Thursday focused on introduction of foldscope in agriculture and encourage youths to be curious about science.
Dr KP Mohapatra, principal scientist at the agro-forestry section, Division of NRM and Head of Crop Production Division ICAR, told about the pivotal role of forest biology, seeds of exotic forest trees, the research work done in the laboratory and its impact on agriculture.
Dr Rajappa JJ, scientist in the agro-forestry section, talked about the features of a foldscope and its applications, particularly the use of smartphones in foldscope.
Students of classes VI to XI from Kendriya Vidyalaya School, North Eastern Police Academy, participated in the workshop. They were told how to use the foldscope academically and were briefed on the importance of a flower, floral structure, preparation of slides using stains and viewing pollen grains of Musa under foldscope, besides other activities.
In-vitro germination of pollen grains was also briefed. Apart from this, the distillation process for separating volatile oils using Clavenger apparatus was also shown. The programme witnessed students’ enthusiasm in learning throughout until the successful completion of the workshop.