Forestry

About Department

The significance of forest in Indian civilization and their relevance in Indian economy during both pre and post independence era probably went unnoticed. The forestry education in India was introduced after the recommendation of National Commission on Agriculture during 1976. Forestry education has now been established as one of the important academic pursuits from the point of view of development of proper human resource to be engaged in research, development, and management of forests.The reorientation of forestry education in India is very necessary. Since India is rural based country, the importance of this subject is being felt much more. Though we cannot increase the forest area being responsible for stable environment, balanced ecology and fulfilling our domestic requirement in the form of forest produce, we have the only alternative to increase the trees cover. Till now, we have been depending on reserve forest, which has been managed by professional foresters trained in various forestry training institutes of the country. Now, the country needs Forestry Graduates and Scientists for all around development of forests in the country particularly in rural areas.

The great worldwide upsurge in interest in forestry is undoubtedly to be welcomed by the professionals, for it has for the most part, a beneficial effect. Now, it is well proved fact that as per the guide line of National Forest Policy, 1988 that 1/3 of the geographical area of the country should be under forest/tree cover for stable environment, balanced ecology as well as to meet the demands of various produce of the forests; we will have to make mass afforestation in rural areas in addition to rejuvenation of 70% degraded reserve forest. Seeing the very huge target, the limited personnel trained in various forestry training centers cannot alone do this job. Therefore, to supplement the gap of forestry personnel, Agricultural Universities and Colleges should come forward. It is being realized that there is greater demand of forestry experts everywhere in rural areas developmental programme. The unavailability of forestry experts is also one of the main reasons of poor afforestation development in rural areas. Now the country should take much active initiative to produce Forestry Graduates in Agricultural Universities and Colleges and post them in Krishi Gyan Kendra, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and Agricultural Research Stations to achieve the afforestation goal. It is in this context that the introduction of Forestry B.Sc. syllabus in a number of Agricultural Universities in India assumes its profound importance. It may prove in the long run a development in every bit as important as the original decision to form the Indian Forest Service.

To start B.Sc. (Forestry) four-year courses in Agricultural Universities and Colleges it is also very economical because out of 161 credits, 64 credits (20 of Basic Sciences and Humanities and 44 credits of Agricultural and closely related disciplines) are taught in B.Sc. (Ag.) and for these courses there will be no burden of additional faculty members. For 97 credits of Forestry sciences courses additional Forestry specialized/trained personnel will be required. Though Govt. of India has already taken initiative to establish Department of Forestry in Agricultural Universities but degree courses in Forestry is still running in very few Universities.

During 2002, with the assurance of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun to provide some grants for development of infrastructure for Department of Forestry in this university, the Department of Forestry was established with the start of 4 years B.Sc. (Forestry) degree course. ICFRE, Dehradun is providing some nominal contingency grant annually so far.