Natural Resources Study Centre

At a time when the nation’s ecological and economic capital is under unprecedented pressure, the Natural Resources Study Centre (NRSC) stands as a critical response to the environmental challenges of our era. Coordinated by the Departments of Botany and Biotechnology, the NRSC is an institutional powerhouse dedicated to the research, documentation, and sustainable management of our planet’s finite resources.

An Evolved Mission Building on over a decade of foundational work by the Technical Resources Centre (TRC), the NRSC has significantly expanded its horizons. While its predecessor focused on local farming, the NRSC now addresses the complex natural resource issues of the entire coastal district and the neighboring Western Ghats—one of the world’s most vital biodiversity hotspots.

Core Focus Areas The centre utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of ecological health. Current research and extension works prioritize:

• Medicinal Plant Research: Investigating the ecological, therapeutic, and socio-economic potential of indigenous flora.
• Agricultural Innovation: Developing alternative, high-value uses for agricultural produce and byproducts to ensure zero-waste and sustainable livelihoods.

A Collaborative Ecosystem The NRSC operates on the belief that conservation is a collective responsibility. We actively bridge the gap between diverse stakeholders, including:

• Students & Academicians: Driving research and awareness.
• Farmers & Entrepreneurs: Implementing sustainable practices and bio-resource utilization.
• Policy Makers: Collaborating with Government and Non-Government Organizations to secure the equilibrium of our natural production cycles.

By integrating documentation with hands-on training, the NRSC ensures that the flow of ecosystem services—from clean water to timber—remains resilient for future generations.