Meghalaya Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijaya Shankar on Wednesday highlighted the importance of conserving native plant species and medicinal herbs, particularly those that are endangered and unique to the state.

Speaking at a tree plantation programme held at the premises of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in Mawdiangdiang, the governor urged avoidance of monoculture practices during plantation drives, warning that such methods could lead to ecological imbalance.

He also expressed his personal interest in forestry and agriculture and called for sustained efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of Meghalaya.