RFRI (the erstwhile IRMDFR) was constituted during 1988. Prior to that, the forestry research needs of northeastern states of India were met by the Forest Ressearch Institute, Dehra Dun (Uttaranchal) and later on by Regional Research Centre, Burnihat (Assam). A committee of Experts constituted by Government of India, (No. 1-1/87) recommended that RFRI will carryout national level research with special reference to humid zones of the North-East region. The government also sanctioned 213 posts including scientific and technical staff.