ACHIEVEMENTS

Research at BFRI is conducted to obtain increased productivity from the forestland and better utilization of the resources. A number of applied and adaptive researches have been conducted to minimize the gap between the demand for and supply of forest produces. BFRI's database is rich enough to cater the present information needs of FD in particular and the forestry sector in general. Mention worthy research achievements of the institute are listed below:

Simple technique for propagation of bamboos
Branch cutting technique has been developed as a substitute of rhizomes for producing a large number of propagules at a cheaper cost. The technique is easily adaptable for field plantation.

Technique for enhancement of service life of rural housing materials
An easy and inexpensive preservative technique has been devised for extending the service life of rural housing materials such as bamboo, wood, sungrass and straw. This technique extends 3-5 times the service life of the materials.

Site suitability assessment technique for planting tree species
A simplified field manual on land capability assessment and site-specific selection of the species has been developed. The manual gives a ready- made information for species selection by the foresters as well as villagers.

Technique for planting tree seedlings with minimum tillage and cost
Seedlings of trees raised in polyethylene bags can be planted easily by auger hole instead of traditional spade hole method. It minimizes labour cost, tillage and planting time in hilly terrain and road / embankment sites.

Coastal and mangrove plantation research
Nursery techniques of 17 mangrove species and under planting module of suitable species in coastal forest have been developed. Valuable species like sundri (Heritiera fomes), gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), passur (Xylocarpus spp.), etc. have been found suitable for under-planting in the existing keora plantations to develop a second rotation crop. The mainland species like rain tree (samanea saman), silkoroi (albizia procera), jhau (Casuarina equisetifolia) and babla (Acacia nilotica) have been recommended for planting in raised lands of the Sundarbans.

Propagation of forest tree species and tissue culture of bamboo
Vegetative propagation techniques of ten forest tree species have been worked out. Micro- propagation technique through tissue culture of some bamboo species has been developed.

Process for pulp from low-grade jute
A new process for making superior quality pulp from inferior quality jute has been developed. Establishment of a new pulp mill on this technology will minimize import of pulp and the country can also enter into pulp export market.

High yield pulp in conventional processes
Technology for increasing pulp production and improving the quality by using a catalyst in conventional pulping process has also been developed.

Seasoning of timber using solar energy
A simple, inexpensive and effective solar kiln has been developed for seasoning timber using solar radiation. The kiln can conveniently be constructed using locally available materials. Timbers of different species and dimensions can be seasoned throughout the year in the solar kiln. It is an environmentally benign technique that utilizes inexhaustible solar radiation.

Non-co conventional timber for railway sleeper
Technology has been developed for using non-conventional timbers for railway sleepers as substitute for garjan (Dipterocarpus spp.) timber. Dhakijam (syzyzium grande), kanak (Shima walichii), shil bhadi (garuga pinnata), jail bhadi (Lannea coromandelica), kainjal bhadi (Bischofia javanica), betna (Quercus sp.) and sundri (Heritiera fomes) are found  to be suitable species.

Insect pests and diseases and their control measures
The major insect pests and diseases in nurseries and plantations have been identified and their control measures devised. These measures can be applied in nursery and plantation management.

Volume, biomass, growth and yield of forest tree species
Volume tables, biomass tables, growth and yield of different important timber specious have been prepared. This information can be utilized for rapid inventory of forest resources, and planning and preparing plantation management plan.

Keys for identification of important wood, forest tree, bamboo and canes
Easy and workable field identification keys have been developed for various timbers, forest trees, bamboo and canes. Brief description, occurrence and uses of these resources are also available.

Evaluation of timber properties
Physical, mechanical, veneering and composite properties of all commercial timber species have been determined. These help expedite efficient and specific uses of wood species.

Utilization of wood wastes
Techniques have been developed for utilization of wood wastes for making novelty items, panel products and particleboard. This will not only save resources from wastes, but also keep the environment cleaner.

Characterization of timber
Forty-five lesser-used forest wood specious and ten village wood species have been characterized and their suitable end uses have been identified. Use of this information will reduce the pressure on conventional timber and also encourage cottage industries.