31st Research Advisory Group Meeting (8th October 2025)

ICFRE-Forest Research Institute organized its annual 31^st Research Advisory Group Meeting on 8^th October 2025. The meeting commenced with the welcome address delivered by Sh. D.P. Khali, Group Co-coordinator (Research), followed by the inaugural address, which was delivered by Dr Renu Singh, Director, Forest Research Institute. She highlighted the pressing national priorities, such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management, as well as FRI’s role in addressing the forestry needs. In his address, Sh. Jagdish Chander, retired HOFF & PCCF, Haryana Forest Department, stressed the importance of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forestry.

The meeting was attended by senior forest officials, dignitaries, eminent scientists, researchers from various organizations and stakeholders. The forum aimed at providing a common platform for open discussion on the forestry and research needs of the country, climate change, reforestation efforts and biodiversity conservation. The meeting was divided into four technical sessions: each session dedicated to one of the four thrust areas according to the ICFRE mandate. Sixteen new project proposals were presented before the gathering by the respective Project Investigators (PIs). These project proposals were critically assessed and thoroughly examined by experts based on various technical criteria,including the clarity of the objectives, appropriateness of the methodology, and comprehensiveness of the literature review. The PIs were cross-questioned on the multiple aspects and feasibility of their research project. The interactive session concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr Tara Chand, Scientist ‘E’.