Department of Forestry (Tura Campus)

About the Department

Background:

The forest of Meghalaya unlike other states is largely under community and private ownership with only 1,113 sq. km. of forests under the direct control of the State Forest Department. The state has a total forest cover of 76.32%, it has Nokrek biosphere reserve, two national parks viz., Balphakram and Nokrek Ridge, four wildlife sanctuaries and 65 community reserves forest.  The dominant tree species found in the state is Pinus kesiya. The state is divided into three distinct regions viz., Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jiantia Hills. It has three major rivers viz., Sanda, Simsang Umngot and Myntdu. Major land use system practice in the state is shifting cultivation. Local people mainly rely on natural forest resources such as timber, honey and wax, while bananas, rice, cashew nuts and tea are cultivated mainly as commercial crops.

About the Department:

The Department of Forestry in NEHU Tura campus was established in the year 2019 under the School of Human and Environmental Sciences. The first batch of MSc Forestry students was admitted in February, 2021.

Aims and Objectives

• To educate and develop highly qualified forestry professionals capable of scientific management of forests of the country
• To train the graduates who will be able to lead the way in cutting-edge forestry research and extension for the scientific use of forest resources
• To carry out fundamental and applied research on forest ecosystems, their utilization and conservation.
• To promote sustainable use of forest resources and conservation of wildlife and forests in North-Eastern India
• To play a key role in creating perception on conservation and sustainable management of forests

Major Thrust Areas

1. Research on ecosystem analysis, conservation and restoration through the use of forestry tools and knowledge.
2. Studying Carbon sequestration potential of forest ecosystem and its impact on climate change.
3. Documentation and evaluation of ethno-medicinal value of forest produce.
4. Provision of livelihood opportunities through the use of suitable agroforestry systems.
5. Hands-on experience to local communities for sustainable utilization of forest lands through trainings and other curricular activities.
6. Dissemination of knowledge to scientific communities through national and international conference.
7. Development of suitable agroforestry models to meet the demand of the regions and to minimize shifting cultivation.
8. Catering talented forestry professionals for future careers in forestry and other allied sectors in biodiversity conservation and management.