Background

The Institute of Wood Science & Technology, Bangalore, one of the institutes of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, has the main mandate to transfer its technologies as the institute has developed various techniques. These technologies/techniques have been disseminated through research papers, seminars/workshops/conferences, media and personal contacts. However, in the absence of better linkages with users, the impact of research results has been sub optimal. In fact, few efforts were made earlier for extension of research results like communication with state forest departments. With the launch of World Bank funded Forestry Research, Education and Extension Project (FREEP), a much-needed Extension Directorate came into existence in 1994-95 in ICFRE.

Mandate

• Development of effective and innovative/extension methodologies, strategies and extension material for dissemination of research findings and technology packages of the Institute/council to stakeholders

• Lab to land extension of research findings and technologies through VVKs, demo-villages and KVKs, radio & TV talk shows, melas, exhibitions, museum etc.

• Support to other research divisions in filing of patents, technology transfers, MoUs, maintenance and legal issues of IPRs, marketing of technologies and other IPR related issues

• Promotion and facilitation of partnerships, networking and collaboration with other institutions, industry and organizations

• Developing human resource through training and capacity building programmes

Research Highlights

The extension wing of IWST, Bangalore has got expertise in preparing extension material like literature, video films, conducting demonstration programmes etc. The extension wing of IWST, Bangalore has brought out about 25 brochures and 10 pamphlets and prepared 7 video films on various topics which are of interest to the end users. The extension staff is now in a position to design and prepare the extension material keeping the end users in mind. The Institute has developed and strengthened linkages with Forest Departments, Agricultural universities and other organizations which will be helpful in disseminating the information to end users

The extension methodologies presently adopted are through demonstration in the field, through extension materials like films, videos, brochures, handouts and exhibition through workshops, seminars and conferences and by personal contacts. The choice of methodology depends upon the nature of technology and the client group.

1. Students from Schools, Colleges and Universities; Forest Rangers Training College; State Forest Service College have visited the Institute to familiarize themselves with activities of the Institute.
2. Arrange and provided material for press meets.
3. Regular meetings with farmers organized in connection with establishment of Vana Vigyan Kendra in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Goa and adoption of village for establishing same as model village. Quality seedling and seeds will be distributed to the farmers.
4. Conduct Seminars/ Workshops on topics relevant to Forestry and Wood Science.
5. Demonstration of Forestry and Wood Science Technologies in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa.
6. Publication of publicity material

Ongoing Programmes

Formulation of extension strategies and development of Research Extension Linkages.

Program to provide (a) technical support and (b) generate public awareness:

1. Extension of technology
2. Film production
3. Contract printing
4. Extension supplies
5. Technical bulletins
6. Exhibition/Seminar
7. Extension Support Fund

Van Vignan Kendras

The states under the jurisdiction of the institute where in Van Vigyan Kendras have been established are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Goa. The Nodal officer from the institute is Extension Officer.

Kadugodi - Forest Technical and Administrative Training Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka

Name of Nodal Officer:

Deputy Conservator of Forests (Training)

Forest Technical and Administrative Training Institute

Whitefield, Kadugodi

Bangalore

Dulapally – Forest Research Centre, Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradseh

Name of Nodal Officer:

Chief Conservator of Forests (R)

Andhra Pradesh Forest Department

Hyderabad

Satpal - Goa

Name of Nodal Officer:

Deputy Conservator of Forests

Research and Utilization Division

Margao - Goa

Mandate and functions of VVK:

Mandate:

• To disseminate technical knowledge to different user groups including farmers
• To assist / help user groups to access technical know how of appropriate technologies based on research findings

Functions:

• To liaise with State Forest Departments to obtain basic infrastructure for VVks like building, fixtures, electric and water supply, land for nursery, and demonstration purposes etc.
• To equip VVKs with appropriate literature of knowledge, skills and technologies
• To take up capacity building of extension personnel of State Forest Departments to strengthen their extension mechanism and manning of VVKs in future.

The institute also conducts short term training courses to educate the people on topics related to wood science and forestry for transfer of few standardized technologies. This endeavour not only helps the beneficiaries but has also generated revenue to the institute for the training imparted. During the year 2007-08, eight training programs were organized and were attended by a total of 57 beneficiaries from different organizations.

Publications

• Brochures
• Technical Bulletin

Staff

1. Dr. N. Palanikanth, IFS, Conservator of Forest and Head

2. Dr. Manoj Kumar Dubey   Scientist - F

3. Dr. V.K. Upadhyay, Scientist - E

4. Ms. P.R. Triveni, Assistant Technical Officer

5. Sri. G.P. Navarathna, Library Information Assistant 

6. Sri H.H. Thippeshappa, Draughtsman, TS IV (3)

7. Ms. M. Mamatha, Technician

8. Mrs. S. Hemamalini, Stenographer Gr I

9. Sri. Chittepu Srinivas, MTS

10. Sri Anand Kumar Nenavath, MTS

For further information, Please contact

Extension Officer

Extension Support Division

Institute of Wood Science and Technology

P.O. Malleshwaram

Bangalore-560 003 (India)

E-Mail: extension_iwst@icfre.org

Ph: 080-22190198, 208, 151