JORHAT, Nov 26 – Principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden of Assam MC Malakar has stressed the need for a bamboo-based second green revolution in India in general and the North-east in particular. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 10th research advisory group (RAG) meeting of Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI) held at the conference hall of the Sotai-based institute here recently, the top forest department official urged RFRI to take up the challenge to convert the green biomass into green gold.

Malakar said that the project proposals in this respect should be based on the needs of the forest department, self-help groups, farmers and other stakeholders. He highlighted the need for sustainable utilisation and conservation of natural resources and management of degraded forests and jhum land. Malakar advised the scientific community to undertake further studies to understand and combat climate change and global warming.

Welcoming the delegates, RFRI director NK Vasu gave a detailed account of the various research, development and extension activities in the institute. He made special reference to the new facilities developed at RFRI like GIS, biotechnology and tissue culture.

Chief Conservator of Forests of Assam RP Agarwalla chaired the two-day technical sessions held during the RAG meet. Scientists and officers of RFRI and its Advanced Research Centre for Bamboo and Rattan located at Aizawl (Mizoram) presented new research project proposals.

As many as 14 research projects under various disciplines were recommended by RAG for further approval from research policy committee of the Dehradun-based Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.

The vote of thanks was offered by group coordinator (Research) Imtienla Ao.