Introduction

Silviculture and Forest Management Division undertakes multidisciplinary research aimed to enhance forest productivity, promoting sustainable management of forest resources, conserving biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. The major research areas of the Division include: Establishment and management of sandalwood (Santalum album) plantations to enhance farmers' income through high-value agroforestry systems, Multi-location evaluation trials ofCasuarinaspecies and clones to identify superior planting material for different agro-climatic regions, Performance evaluation ofDalbergiasissooclones for growth, productivity, adaptability and wood quality, Improvement of the durability of lesser-utilized timber species through appropriate wood preservation and treatment technologies to enhance their commercial utilization, Standardization of post-harvest management practices for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to improve product quality, shelf life and market value, thereby supporting livelihood enhancement, Capacity building of tribal communities, self-help groups and other stakeholders through training on sustainable harvesting, processing and value addition of lesser-known NTFPs, Studies on improving seed germination and nursery techniques ofAnogeissus pendula for large-scale plantation programmes and ecological restoration, Bioprospecting of lesser-known forest plant species for the identification of bioactive compounds and their potential industrial, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic applications, Development of sustainable silvicultural and forest management practices for improving productivity, regeneration and long-term conservation of forest ecosystems, Growth and yield studies, forest mensuration, biometrics and resource assessment to support scientific planning and evidence-based forest management.

The Model Nursery of the Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI) is situated at Krishna Nagar, near M/s Narpat Petrol Pump on New Pali Road (NH-62), Jodhpur, approximately one kilometre from the AFRI main campus. The modern nursery complex covers an area of 6.4 hectares. The site is characterized by flat topography with loamy sand soil, making it suitable for raising quality planting material. The nursery is well protected with barbed-wire fencing and a six-foot-high stone wall.

The nursery is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities for the production of high-quality planting stock of arid and semi-arid forestry species, important medicinal plants, ornamental plants, avenue trees and a wide range of fruit-bearing tree species.

Every year, the nursery produces approximately 50,000 seedlings of dryland forestry species, ornamental plants and avenue trees, along with about 10,000 medicinal plants. These planting materials are supplied to a wide range of user agencies, including State Forest Departments, government organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), farmers and educational institutions across Rajasthan and neighbouring states.

Clonal trial of Casuarina, provided by IFGTB, Coimbatore were established at Linch Nursery,Mehsana ,Mahua ,Jungarh in Gujarat and at Mohangarh,Jaisalmer ,Rajasthan

In addition to producing quality planting stock, the nursery serves as a centre for capacity building. Scientists and Forest Officers of AFRI regularly conduct training programmes on nursery management, plantation techniques and planting stock improvement for forestry professionals, government officials, farmers, students and other stakeholders.Nursery has also started the production of high-quality organic compost prepared from neem leaves and mixed leaf litter. This eco-friendly compost is made available for sale, promoting sustainable nursery practices and supporting organic cultivation.

Vegetative Multiplication Gardens (VMGs) of the newly released Dalbergiasissoo clones, namely AFRI-DS-1, AFRI-DS-2, and AFRI-DS-4, were established at the AFRI Main Campus during 2021–2022. The VMGs cover an area of 0.045 ha (450 m²) and serve as a reliable source of quality planting material. Mother plants comprising DS1-115, DS2-115, and DS4-50 have been maintained to facilitate large-scale clonal propagation, ensuring the rapid multiplication and dissemination of superior Shisham clones for plantation programmes.

Objectives

The Silvicultural and Forest Management Division aims to develop scientific approaches for sustainable forest management, enhancing forest productivity, conserving genetic resources and improving the utilization of forest resources. The major objectives are:

Research Highlights

AFRI Shisham Clone Based Agroforestry Model at IGNP Command area of Western Rajasthan

AFRI Model Nursery, Jodhpur

VMG Field AFRI, Jodhpur

Sandal Field with turmeric at Anand, Gujarat

Sandal at JaipurNational University, Jaipur

Training on Preparation of Value added products (Momordica dioica pickle) by SHG, Jamboori, Sirohi

Training on Value addition of Star Fruit to Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Members, Visdaliya, Surat

Training on Value addition of Herbal Soap preparartion to SHG Members, Surpura, Jodhpur

Projects

People