5 days ago
Himalayan Forest Research Institute holds workshop on All India Coordinated Research Projects
The Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI) organised a day-long workshop in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on Thursday (July 17, 2025) to discuss the outcomes and project completion reports of the recently concluded All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) related to establishing a fodder bank, poplar trees, and wild edible fruit trees.
AICRP is a network of research initiatives started by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to address research problems and avoid duplication of research work across the country on emerging themes and important forestry species. ICFRE is an apex body under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which undertakes forestry research, education, and extension activities at the national level through its regional research institutes located in different parts of the country.
Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Himachal Pradesh, said the ICFRE and HFRI have recently completed three research projects regarding 'fodder bank, poplar, and wild edible fruits' that are vital from the point of view of the State of Himachal Pradesh.
'Since fodder is a very important component for the cattle, the establishment of a fodder bank can play an important role in the animal husbandry sector. Similarly, conservation and cultivation of wild edible fruit trees can also be useful in tackling the problem of monkey menace prevalent in Himachal Pradesh and addressing the problem of human-animal conflict. Poplars are useful for their rapid growth, timber production and environmental benefits, are used in agroforestry, provide wood for various industries, and play a vital role in carbon sequestration and soil stabilisation,' he said, inaugurating the workshop.
Mr. Sood said he was optimistic that the outcome of these research projects would prove useful to the stakeholders as well as policymakers in formulating policies for the future.
