Encompassing the picturesque eastern Himalayas in Sikkim and North Bengal, the fertile alluvial expanse of indo-gangetic plains in Bihar and West Bengal, deltaic and coastal mangroves of the world famous Sunderbans, a pocket of Terai Sal forest in the north west corner of Bihar and tropical deciduous forests of Kaimur and Chotanagpur plateau overlaying rich and enticing mineral resources within its jurisdiction, the Institute of Forest Productivity is a premier forestry research organization catering to the forestry research needs of eastern India.

The institute came into existence in the year 1993 with the objective to formulate, organize, direct, manage & carryout forestry research & education in eastern region of the country, comprising the sate of Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim and West Bengal which encompasses approximately 46,581 square kilometere forest area which is 17% of the total geographical area of the country. The operational area comprises of six agro-ecological zones and eight main forest types.

Territorial zone of operation of IFP

Forests & Agro-ecological zones under the operational area of the Institute

Source : Area figures from Forest Survey of India and State Forest Departments

Objectives and thrust areas :

The major objectives of the Institute are as follows:

• To steer, undertake and coordinate research, development and extension in forestry sector in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim and West Bengal.

• To enhance the productivity of floral and faunal resources, conservation of biodiversity, eco-restoration of degraded

• lands and protection of fragile ecosystem unique to the region.

• To develop and maintain information on forestry and allied sciences.

• To act as a clearing-house for region specific research and general information relating to forests and wildlife.

• To undertake research and demonstration of agro-forestry models .

• To establish model nursery , germplasm bank and identify suitable seed production areas for improving forest productivity.

• To develop extension programmes and propagate the research results from lab to land.

• To provide consultancy services in the field of forestry research, training and in allied sciences.

• To develop and extend Lac cultivation and dissemination of market data on lac production in the country.

• To carryout the related activities considered necessary to attain the above activities.

Research Centres

Forest Research Centre, Mandar, Ranchi

Well equipped with tissue culture, soil testing and biochemistry laboratories; modern nursery facilities with mist chambers, agro-net shade houses and composting units; seed processing, packaging & storage unit; vast experimental area for provenance / progeny trials and demonstration plantations covering an area of over 24.32 ha.

Environmental Research Station, Sukna (West Bengal)

Equipped with hydro meteorological recording facilities and observatories at Sonada and Sukna watersheds in Darjeeling district of West Bengal for data recording in selected watersheds

Research Plots

Nucleus Broodlac Farms

TECHNICAL SERVICES

• Consultancy and training

• Soil Testing

• Insect and Disease control measures

• Research input on tree improvement activities to SFD’s

• Monitoring & Evaluation

• Resource conservation

EXTENSION

Forestry Extension plays a vital role in linking research with the end users for transfer of technology. Activities under Extension are primarily aimed at motivating and educating the people on the role of forests and their conservation; development and management of community land; the need for increasing forest productivity and scientific cultivation of Lac and medicinal plants. Action has been initiated for setting up model villages and Van Vigyan Kendras to demonstrate the tested technologies and adoption by target groups.

Technologies developed

• Macro propagation of bamboos,

• Micro propagation techniques of important forestry species.

• Laboratory analysis of soil and treatment for deficiencies.

• Improved technique for lac cultivation.

• Recycling of organic wastes by composting / vermi composting.

• Production of quality planting materials in hi-tech nurseries using root trainers.

• Bio-reclamation of problem soils and mined overburdens.

• Propagation techniques of selected medicinal plants.

Name

Sh. R. Krishnamurthy

Director, IFP, Ranchi

+91-651-2948505, 2948512, 2948515

+91-651 - 2546044

ifpranchi@hotmail.com dir_ifp@icfre.org