Director General's Message

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been implementing programmes aimed at holistic development of forestry research, education and extension for sustainable management and development of forestry resources in the country.

I am delighted to present the website of the council.  I hope that this website will give new useful information to our  forestry sector organizations, other partners, stakeholders, and people at large. Past year has been demanding and exciting unfolding a number of new developments. The Council has been actively involved in the deliberations of the climate change as an observer of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also participated in meetings of Conference of the Parties (COP) and Subsidiary Bodies in Nairobi and Bali. The Council also established a platform for networking with partners on Forest Invasive Species. We in pursuance of the Council's regular plan programme, approved research projects to cater to the needs of various target groups. Technologies and protocols developed in fields of silviculture, agroforesty, biotechnology, tree improvement, wood technology, forest products, and environmental management practices by the Council were extended to user agencies through short and long term courses, workshops, trainings, and awareness programmes.

The Council extends expertise in the form of consultancy to a varied clientele of hydropower firms, mining companies, water supply agencies in the field of impact assessment, and to municipalities for tree avenue maintenance, and development of tree groves and avenues. Some specific consultancies include evaluation of projects funded by National Medicinal Plants Board, environment impact assessment, and formulation of management plan for hydropower projects of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), and socioeconomic survey, and formulation of resettlement and rehabilitation plan for National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

Further on climate change, the Council has played a prominent role in the forest-climate debate on reducing emissions from deforestation, and influenced international negotiations with its reasonable, scientific and equitable stand in favour of forest conservation.

Countrywide improvement in forestry education is promoted by providing financial support to various universities imparting forestry education with a view to strengthening their infrastructure, and to augment teaching and research capabilities. Much emphasis is given on the quality of forestry education and placement of forestry students of FRI University.

The website provides insight into research, education and extension in the context of ICFRE activities, and we will be delighted to have feedback from you.

(Jagdish Kishwan)
Director General
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
Dehradun