ARID FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE (AFRI)

ORGANISATION

Located in the heart of Thar desert at Jodhpur, Arid Forest Research Institute was created in the year 1988 to conduct forestry research primarily towards controlling desertification and improving land productivity of arid lands. The Institute, is to meet the forestry research needs of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dadar Nagar Haveli.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the Institute is to conduct research on greening the arid and semi-arid araes of the country and within the region on eco-restoration of the sand dunes,Rann of Kanchcha and Aravalli hills,development of agri-silvi-pastoral packages for the arid tracts, and research on natural regeneration in the national forests.

RESEARCH

The institute has made significant strides in forestry research. Its achievements include, control of seedling mortality in Azadirachta indica nurseries,fertilizer response of ailanthus excelsa, a valuable species yielding fodder and adopted to the arid tract by application of phosphatic fertilizers, leading to remarkable improvement in its growth. Findings of rain-water harvesting and mulching with view to moisture management in strees sites are of immense value. Several studies pertaining to developing technology for desert afforestation with particular emphasis on evolving such as sand dunes, saline alkaline lands, and Rann of Kanchcha have been initated. Moisture is the single most important limiting factor in arid areas for the establishment of trees and their growth. Keeping this in view several studies relating to moisture conservation, and water balance have been taken up.

Research relating to introduction and evaluation triais of exotic species from matching bio-climatic zones have been initiated. The institute is participating in international provenance trials of babul and neem with a view to find out the most suitable provenance for the arid zone. Insect pest and diseases which cause on extensive damage too plants in the nursery and plantations are being investigated with respect to their intigrated management.

PERSPECTIVE IN RESEARCH

• Develop and improve agri-silvi-pastoral systems in the arid region.

• Eco-stabilization of deserts with emphasis on sand dune fixation in Jaisalmer district.

• Develop technology for afforestation of waste-lands in the arid and semi-arid region with special reference to saline- alkaline lands, Rann of Kachcha and Aravali hills.

• Research on non-wood forest products of arid zone.

• Research on irrigated plantations with special reference to Indira Gandhi Canal Project.

• Identification of seed production areas and plus trees, establishment of seed orchards and production of quality planting material of selected species for improving forest productivity.

• Provenance trial of important arid zone species with view to find out the most suitable provenance for plantation.

• Studies on biofertilizers and biopesticides.

• Research on forest protection with emphasis on biological control measures.

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