SHIMLA: Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Arun Singh Rawat, who is on a two-day long visit to Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla lauded the research activities being carried out in the institute and appreciated the Western Himalayan Temperate Arboratum, Potter Hill Shimla.
During his first day's visit, Rawat gave a detailed overview of the research activities being carried out at the Institute.
Initially, Dr. S.S. Samant, Director, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla welcomed the Director General at HFRI, briefed him on the research activities of the Institute and presented its future road map. In addition, he also briefed about the significant medicinal and research efforts undertaken by the institute in Himachal Pradesh and union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Dr Samant also highlighted the efforts initiated to develop and release of the varieties of Valeriana Jatamansi (Mushakwala) and Picroraisea Karua (Kadu). He further explained about three important techniques developed by the institute such as the intercropping model of high-altitude medicinal plants with horticultural plantations, the macro-prolipuration technique of Valeriana Jatamansi and Picríraise Karua and the Juniperus polycarpos developed by the Institute.
Dr Samant also requested the DG, ICFRE to strengthen the infrastructure of the institute and provide funds for developing a botanical garden in the HFRI, Shimla campus, this will be the first botanical garden of Shimla city.
Director general lauded the research efforts made by HFRI, especially with three important techniques developed by the Institute i.e. horticulture plantation, high Intercropping models of high-altitude medicinal plants, Macro- proliphyration technology, valeriania jatamansi and picroryza karua and juniperus polycarpos possessive case-ending Diffusion and nursery techniques.
Rawat stressed on collaborating with other institutions for better research that will help the society. The project should have a problem- solving approach of the society for the development of the nation, Rawat said.
He said that how to male stakeholders aware with research is the most challenging task for science. Therefore, training, awareness programmes and TV and radio talks are important to popularize these technologies among the stakeholders and the general public. “Research in isolation is of no use, collaborative efforts and the use of research at ground level (practical) are crucial”.
“We also research findings from social media propaganda. Because the role of social media in the current context is very important and effective”, he said.
Rawat visited the herbarium and the newly built technology demonstration centre. He visited the western himalayan temperate arboratum, Potter Hill Shimla and appreciated it and made some suggestions.
Dr Sandeep Sharma, scientist-G presented achievements of Institute, gave a detailed presentation on the progress and extension activities of ongoing research projects.
