A three-day training program titled “Forestry in Addressing Livelihood Issues of Northeastern People” was conducted by the ICFRE-Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat, at its Livelihood Extension Centre (LEC) in Agartala, Tripura, starting this Monday. The program aimed to explore forest-based livelihood opportunities for diverse stakeholders in the region.
The event was inaugurated by R. K. Samal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), in the presence of R. K. Kalita, Head of ICFRE-LEC; Dr. R. K. Borah, Group Coordinator (Research), ICFRE-RFRI, Jorhat; and several other dignitaries, including Ajoy Debbarma, Scientist-B; Atanu Saha, Additional Project Officer, IGDC; and Niren Das and Ibhuti Deka, Chief Technical Officers, ICFRE-LEC.
A total of 34 participants, including Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) members, students, NGOs, nature clubs, media personnel, social activists, and representatives from financial institutions, attended the program.
In his inaugural address, R. K. Samal highlighted the significance of forests in fostering sustainable livelihoods. He emphasized income generation through forest resources like bamboo and agarwood and discussed their role in soil conservation and self-employment.
The first day featured three technical sessions. Dr. R. K. Borah spoke on **“Agarwood: A Valuable Non-Timber Forest Product for Livelihood Generation in Northeast India,”** covering plantation methods, management, and the production of agarwood oil. R. K. Kalita presented insights on **“Forest-Based Livelihood Opportunities for Northeast India.”** Dr. Thingreingam Irenaeus K.S. delivered a session on utilizing underexploited horticulture crops for entrepreneurship development.
The second day includes a field visit to Bashgram, Katlamara. On the final day, technical sessions will focus on bamboo as a sustainable material, its applications in charcoal and briquetting, and its potential for livelihood generation. Experts like Dr. Abhinav Kant, Dr. R. D. Borthakur, and Ajoy Debbarma will also discuss topics like medicinal plants, vermicomposting, and handlooms in Tripura.
Certificates will be distributed to participants upon completion of the training, which is expected to enhance their understanding of forestry’s role in addressing livelihood challenges and promoting sustainable development in the northeastern states.
