About AFRC

The Agroforestry Research Centre (AFRC) at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, was established in 2003 to advance research and development in agroforestry. Situated in the Tarai (moist land) and Bhabar (a region with coarse gravel and shingle deposits) of Uttarakhand, this area is known for its fertile soils, high moisture levels, and intensive agricultural systems integrated with agroforestry practices, particularly poplar and eucalyptus plantations. The region experiences a sub-humid subtropical climate, with summer temperatures reaching between 31ºC and 41ºC, while winter temperatures range from 2ºC to 10ºC. Monsoon occurs from third week of June to the middle of September. Frost may be expected from last week of December to the first week of February. AFRC has developed various agri-silvicultural systems for bamboo, poplar, eucalyptus, and high-density short-rotation plantations of poplar and eucalyptus. Under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Agroforestry, the centre has established a Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo)–based agroforestry model aimed at enhancing income, improving climate resilience, and delivering ecosystem services. Ongoing research focuses on poplar (Populus deltoides), shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), eucalyptus species, and bamboo to produce high-quality planting material for agroforestry tree species. After testing Pant Poplar 5 (PP5) was released for the tarai region. Long-term screening of shisham germplasm resulted in the selection of five genotypes (PS-20, PS-38, PS-52, PS-54 and PS-90) for multilocational trial under AICRP network. AFRC boasts a state-of-the-art nursery, catering to both its own research needs and the requirements of farmers.

Mission: Generate and disseminate technologies for addressing agroforestry issues and to promote linkages between agriculture, forest and environment on sustainable basis.