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The department of Forestry & Natural Resources was started in the Punjab Agricultural University in May1978 to carry out research, teaching and extension in the field of forestry and agroforestry. Faculty training under UNDP and schemes funded by State Govt. and ICAR provided the required impetus for establishment of forestry research and education. The department started B.Sc. forestry programme during 1985-86. Two batches (25 students each) were admitted during 85-86 and 86-87 with the understanding that the successful students would be absorbed by the state forest department. However, the programme was suspended owing to limited employment opportunities. Presently, the department offers one course (Forst 201) to B.Sc. (Agri.) Hons., elective courses in forestry (started in 1980-81) and M.Sc. forestry programme (started in 1990). The department was merged with the department of Agronomy and Agro-meteorology on 1st May, 2006 and was again re-established as Department of Forestry & Natural Resources on 6th September, 2007. Research work on Silviculture, Forest Management, Agroforestry, Tree Improvement, Forest Protection, Forest Ecology and Wildlife is being carried out in the department.
Over the years, the department has made remarkable progress in research. Seven poplar clones have been released for commercial cultivation in different agro-climatic zones of Punjab. Suitable agroforestry models have been developed for cultivation in poplar. National symposia, summer/winter schools and farmers/ agricultural expert trainings have been organized by the department.
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