Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI)

Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat conducts forestry and biodiversity research in the North-East under ICFRE, supporting conservation and sustainable management.

Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat

Syllabus: Indian Institutions (UPSC Prelims)

Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI) is a regional research institute under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC). It plays a key role in forestry research in the North-East, one of India’s most biodiversity-rich regions.

Location

Jorhat¹, Assam

Mandate & Objectives

Conduct research on rainforest ecology and biodiversity conservation in North-East India.
Develop technologies for sustainable forest management, reforestation, and degraded land restoration.
Promote scientific utilisation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and bamboo resources, which are abundant in the region.
Support conservation of threatened and endemic species found in Assam and adjoining states.
Provide technical support to state forest departments and local communities.

Key Research Areas

Silviculture of tropical and semi-evergreen forests
Agroforestry models suited for North-East India
Bamboo & cane resource management
Soil and water conservation
Insect pest management and forest pathology
Climate change impact on North-East forest ecosystems
Biotechnology & nursery techniques for important species

Training & Extension

Offers capacity-building programmes for:
- Forest officials
- Tribal communities
- Farmers and bamboo artisans
Conducts outreach for sustainable harvesting of forest produce.