- ICFRE AGM highlights new forestry initiatives
- Bhupender Yadav launches soil health portal
- Four new forestry research publications released
- Vision 2025–30 focuses on green innovation
India’s top forest research agency marked a milestone in sustainable forestry innovation as the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) convened today at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun. The meeting brought actionable strategies for forestry research, technology outreach, and community-linked ecological development into sharp focus.
Leadership and Agenda
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, who also serves as the President of the ICFRE Society, chaired the meeting. He was welcomed by ICFRE Director General and Society Member Secretary Kanchan Devi. The AGM presented ICFRE’s Annual Report and audited financial statements for the year 2023–24. According to media reports, both documents were unanimously approved by the Society for submission to both Houses of Parliament.
Strategic Vision for 2025–30
During the session, Minister Yadav appreciated ICFRE’s contributions to national forestry goals and encouraged the council to effectively transfer its research outcomes and technologies to end-users, including forest departments, rural communities, and entrepreneurs. The discussion emphasized the importance of connecting research-based innovations with practical, on-ground applications that can support sustainable livelihoods and environmental resilience.
Launch of Key Initiatives
A major highlight of the event was the launch of a new web portal based on soil health card data aimed at supporting precision forestry and soil management practices. Additionally, Minister Yadav unveiled four publications reflecting ICFRE’s forward-looking research and development approach:
- Earning from Casuarina: High-Yield Varieties and New Cultivation Techniques
- ICFRE Expansion Strategy 2025–30
- Compilation on Lesser-Known Forest Plants: Insights and Opportunities
- Breeding Programs for Major Tree Species of India
As per several media sources, these publications aim to bridge scientific knowledge with field-level forestry practices while promoting informed environmental policymaking across states.
Strengthening Green Innovation
Officials at the meeting highlighted that ICFRE’s continued focus on forest ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and green technology adaptation aligns with India’s revised climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Experts also emphasized expanding training and digital monitoring tools for broader outreach in rural forestry management.
The session concluded with renewed commitment from the council to strengthen forestry-based research, innovation, and community participation, furthering India’s green growth agenda under the “Lifestyle for Environment” (LiFE) mission.
The meeting reinforced India’s vision of balancing economic development with ecological responsibility by fostering science-driven, community-centered forest management.
India’s forestry ecosystem could see accelerated digital integration and local innovation outreach following ICFRE’s new initiatives, potentially boosting sustainable livelihoods in rural sectors and contributing to national climate goals.
