State gets its forest science centre

SHILLONG, June 23: Meghalaya on Friday received its first and only Van Vigyan Kendra (VVK) or Forest Science Centre which essentially intends to help in dissemination of various technologies developed by farmers, forest-based industries and forest research institutes.
Established by the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat, in collaboration with Silviculture Division of Forest and Environment department at Umkhuti (Umiam), the centre is an ambitious project of RFRI under which one Van Vigyan Kendra has to be established in each state of the Northeastern region.
The centre at Umkhuti was inaugurated by PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, Meghalaya government, SM Sahai.
In his address at the inaugural programme, senior scientist and coordinator of the VVK pogramme, RK Kalita, talked about the genesis of the VVK in Meghalaya.
Training on ‘Biological Control of Invasive weeds in Meghalaya forests’ to frontline employees of the Forest department was also imparted on the day.
This an Vigyan Kendra facility will begin training forestry farmers, students and frontline staff of Forest department.
Director of RFRI Dr RSC Jayaraj believes that the newly established VVK will usher the path for economic and environmental development of Meghalaya.