Van Vigyan Kendra (VVK)

IFGTB has undertaken breeding programme of fast growing and other commercially important tree species since 1988. Improved quality planting materials of Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Teak, Acacias, etc and technologies have been developed by the institute over the last three decades. Dissemination of research output to various stakeholders including farmers through training, workshop/seminar and Tree Growers Mela has been taken up vigorously by the institute.

To step up greater outreach of technologies, ICFRE through its institute had initiated setting up Van Vigyan Kendra's (VVKs) in association with State Forest Departments. The VVKs have been established to strengthen the activities of Forestry Extension and to enhance the tree farming and increasing productivity for sustainable land use and wood security. The main objectives of VVKs are as follows.

1. To disseminate the latest technological advancements in forestry sector to the user groups.
2. To provide access to the technical know how of appropriate technologies developed by ICFRE institutes and the state forest departments.

IFGTB has established VVK`s in the States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to reach out all the user groups and provide access to appropriate technologies developed by the Institute and other government agencies. The VVK on the lines of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) are promoting dissemination of research outputs and help in providing livelihood opportunities to local people.

In Tamil Nadu, the VVK is established in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department at Forest Campus, Coimbatore. The Tree Information Centre of VVK Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu displays information on package of practices of important tree species, plantation technologies, advancement made in Genetics and Tree breeding, biotechnology, Bio fertilizers and bio-manures, seed handling techniques, etc.

Farmers, Forest front line staff, Forest Extension Officers are trained through VVK on cultivation and management of important tree species used in Tree Cultivation in Private land programme, quality planting stock production and bio-fertilizers and biomanures, clonal technology, etc.

In Kerala, the VVK is established at Kuthiran, Thrissur. Information on package of practices of important tree species, plantation technologies, advancement made in Genetics and Tree breeding, biotechnology, Biofertilizers and biomanures, seed handling techniques, Sacred Groves, Biodiversity of Western Ghats particularly at silent valley, etc are displayed in the center. VVK Kuthiran also has assemblage of medicinal plants and the nature trials which are used for Nature Education.

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands the VVK is established at Port Blair. Through this centre, seedlings were distributed to the farmers. Training programmes were organized on Quality planting stock production, Biofertilizers and biomanures, Climate change and Forestry, Reproductive and floral biology of mangroves to field forest officers at South Andaman, Baratang, Middle Andaman, Mayabunder and Diglipur and foresters trainees at Forest Training School, Wimberlygunj.

All the VVK`s are equipped with computers, LCD projectors, camera etc., to conduct various outreach activities and documentation. Information on various species, different Agroforestry models, plantation technologies, and biofertilizers are also provided to farmers and other stakeholders through pamphlets, brochures and information booklets for large scale adoption and benefits.