Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDI)

Managing Institute:
OFI (Oxford Forestry Institute)

Project Code: 149-502-018	Start Date: 01/01/1995	End Date: 31/12/1997
Commitment: £725,000	Status: Awaiting Confirmation of Completion	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
In the early to mid 1980s the Govenment of India developed a core research programme which covered appropriate research into priority needs. 6 Research Institutes were established, each specialising in a critical area of research. Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTR) was assigned to forest genetics and tree breeding and acts as a national monitoring and review mechanism. GoI have also set a national goal of achieving growth of three or four cubic metres per year per hectare. IFGTB's research will contribute to this goal by identifying and involving resistant varieties of species.

IFGTB was established in April 1989, and DFID's involvement dates back to then. It comprises 6 divisions: Genetics and Tree Breeding; Plant Biotechnology and Cytogenics; Seed Technology; Plant Protection; Silviculture and Agroforestry; Economics and Sociology. Its mandate is to carry out research. This process has identified a group of species and range of activities to which IFGTB have agreed it should give priority.

The Oxford Forestry Institute made a field preparation mission to IFGTB in December 1989, and identified a programme of activities designed to increase the effectiveness of IFGTB's research and expose its staff to modern theories and their application.

DFID support to combat forest degradation is a priority, given the continuing and growing demand for wood, wood products and other non-wood forest products in India, and their fragile resource base. It is essential to deveeop the higher yielding varieties of trees through genetic improvemnt if their environment is not to be put under insupportable pressure.

Project Objectives:
To increase through genetic improvement the productivity of India's indigenous and exotic trees and forests. To support the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, in the study of forest genetics with technical advice and equipment.

Intended Outputs:
Conduct a workshop on each of: 1) assembly and distribution of genetic resources 2) forest genetic theory and the formulation of breeding strategies 3) methodologies for research in social forestry and agroforestry. Participation of one deputised IFS officer or IFGTB scientist in a training course in research methodology in each year of the project period. Participation of two relevant IFGTB staff members in the CSIRO training course in seed technology. Visit by an DFID consultant to install the SISTEM database and train IFGTB staff in its use. Prticipation of each of the IFGTB's Coordinators of Research and of facilities in appopriate UK training courses. Attendance of the IFGTB Director at one relevant international meeting in each of the three years of the project period, in conjunction with a study visit of an appopriate foreign institute. Attendance of the Head of each IFGTB Division at one relevant international meeting during the project period, in conjunction with a study visit to an appropriate foreign institute. Study visit to appropriate UK institute by two other IFGTB scientists in each year of the project period. Establishment of an adequate and functional library. Visits by DFID consultants to review progress.