Solan 6 December
A special lecture on Industrial Agroforestry was recently organized by the College of Forestry, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. Dr. KT Parthiban, a renowned agroforestry scientist and Dean of Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu was the lead speaker. Dr. CL Thakur, Dean College of Forestry welcomed Dr. Parthiban and spoke about the importance of agroforestry.
Addressing the gathering of forestry students and scientists Dr. Parthiban said that industrial agroforestry has the potential for ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials to forest-based industries while delivering ecosystem services and providing direct benefits to farmers. He discussed the recent technological advancements in the field of forestry like High yielding short rotation clones, high-value forest development, mini clonal technology, smart silviculture, multifunctional agroforestry, mechanization and value addition of forest tree-based products.
Dr. Parthiban urged the researchers to develop an agroforestry-based business development model to cater to the needs of wood-based industries. He also appraised the participants about the Consortium of Industrial Agroforestry, which has the involvement of industry, scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, nurseries, supply chains, financial institutions, MNCs and NGOs. Around 500 participants including HODs, faculty of the College of Forestry and UG and PG students of the College participated in the lecture.
