Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) Peshawar – The Most Prestigious Forestry Institute

Introduction to Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI)

It started as a training institution, however, research was started soon after its establishment when research branches were created in it e.g., Forest Utilization (1947), Forest Entomology (1949), Forest Botany (1951), Forest Chemistry (1952), Medicinal Plants (1953) and Silviculture (1956). The staff of these branches also participate in training activities through teaching of the subjects of their specialization to the students of the Institute in addition to conducting research. The Institute is affiliated with the University of Peshawar since 1958 for the purpose of examinations and award of degrees in Forestry.

Pakistan Forest Institute is a Provincial Government Organization of which the administration changed hands many times. For instance, it was administered initially by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. It was transferred to the Provincial Agriculture Department of Government of West Pakistan in 1965, and then to the Agriculture Department of N.W.F.P. (Board of Governor) in 1969. The Institute was transferred back to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Government of Pakistan on 1st July, 1977. From September, 1995 to February 1997, it remained under the control of Ministry of Environment, Urban Affairs, Forestry and Wildlife. Since March, 1997 to 30th June, 2011 it was under Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad. The institute has been devolved to Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with effect from 1st July, 2011.

The Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) Peshawar is working for the improvement of Environment, its conservation and the natural resources of the country by conducting research on various environmental issues and imparting training in the specialized field of forestry and allied disciplines. This organization is coordinating with all the national and international agencies related to forestry research as a part of its routine activity. Moreover, it has the capability to deal with current forestry challenges like desertification, arid zone afforestation, reclamation of waterlogged and saline soils through biological measures and conservation of biodiversity issues related to major flora and fauna in the country. It has also capabilities to conduct research on wood and wood-based products in the country and give guidelines to the industry working in these areas. Of course, the protection of watersheds and improvement of rangelands is an integral part of the system. In this context, the cooperation extended by the Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the provision of various projects for the improvement of environment and poverty alleviation is praiseworthy.

Pakistan Forest Institute – Vision

Conservation of Natural Resources and Protection of Environment.

Pakistan Forest Institute – Mission

The mission of the Pakistan forest Institute is to improve the quality of life through providing support of effective research and trained manpower for scientific management of forests, rangelands, wildlife, watersheds, environment protection, and biodiversity conservation in Pakistan.

Pakistan Forest Institute – Objectives

• Conduct research and train manpower for conservation and efficient management of natural resources for sustainable development of forestry sector in the KP as well as in the country.
• Collect and disseminate information relating to forests, rangelands, watersheds, wildlife and forest products utilization, to foresters, environmentalists, NGOs, Defence personals and farmers.
• Co-ordinate activities within Pakistan relating to research and development of forests and wood-based industries and to have liaison with bodies outside Pakistan.
• Advise Provincial, Regional Forest & Wildlife Departments, Research organization, and wood-based industries, Farmers and NGOs on: Seed collection, nursery raising, planting techniques, wood production, wood seasoning, wood utilization, timber identification and testing.

Pakistan Forest Institute Infrastructure

PFI complex consists of both non-residential and residential buildings.

• The main building block includes auditorium (01), committee room (01), Conference room (01) museum (01), central library (01), offices (72), lecture rooms (07), research and teaching laboratories (22), Mechanical and wood workshops (2), stores and garages.
• Residential buildings (270), students hostels (04), guesthouse (01), trainees’ hostel (01), officers and staff clubs (one each), dispensary (01), Forest plant research nurseries, range land, moriculture and medicinal plants research nurseries (05), lawns and grounds (11), arboretum and rose garden (one each).
• Arboretum has 271 species of forest trees, shrubs, and climbers providing an excellent learning opportunity to forestry students as well as students of other educational organizations on the main university campus.

Pakistan Forest Institute Organization

The Pakistan Forest Institute is organized into six functional divisions under the control of the Director General. These divisions are:

• Forestry Research Division.
• Biological Sciences Research Division.
• Forest Products Research Division.
• Forest Education Division.
• Biodiversity Division
• Non-Timber Forest Produce

Forestry Research Division (DFRD)

The Forestry Research Division was established in 1969. It deals with problem oriented research in major disciplines (branches) of forestry namely, Silviculture, Forest Mensuration, Watershed Management and Farm Forestry Research. The research officers of the division also deliver lectures to the forestry students in the field of their specialization. They also hold seminars and short courses for field foresters and nominees of other interested agencies. The division is headed by a Director. His main job is planning, management and supervision of research programmes of all the branches of the Division.

Major Disciplines of DFRD

• Silviculture
• Forest Menusuration
• Watershed Management
• Forest Economics
• GIS and Computer

Silviculture

This branch is one of the oldest branches of the Institute which was established in 1956. It consists of a Central Silviculturist, two Assistant Silviculturists, two Forest Rangers and five Field Assistants. Its research activities are field oriented and it has been engaged in the following research areas over the years.

Research Activities

• Introduction of fast growing multi-purpose tree species so as to increase wood production in the country within short time.
• Development of scientific nursery and field planting techniques for indigenous and exotic tree species.
• Development of suitable tending and cultural techniques for management of plantations of different tree species.
• Development of technologies to afforestate problem areas like arid, semi-arid, saline and waterlogged areas.
• Investigation on physiological and bio-economical aspects of tree species plantations.
• Teaching silviculture and research methods to B.Sc. and M.Sc. forestry classes.

Significant Achievements

• Development of nursery techniques: Studies have been conducted on the viability, germination, scarification, stratification, time and medium of sowing of seed of different tree species and seedling obtained for a number of species such as Chir pine, Juniper, Kail, Deodar, Fir, Spruce, Kikar, etc. Methods of vegetative propagation of poplar clones, shisham and olive were also developed.
• Introduction of fast growing species: Poplars, eucalypts, and willows are some of the important species which have been successfully introduced through research in government plantations and on the farmlands on a large scale. Their nursery and field planting techniques, spacing and water requirements, management techniques, methods of clonal selection and fixing of rotation for optimum growth have been successfully determined through research. Research on a very useful and fast growing species from China, namely, Paulownia has been started and nursery and field trials are in progress. Research is also under way to determine water requirements of a number of tree species in the irrigated plantations.
• Tree planting on marginal lands and difficult sites: By using water harvesting and moisture conservation techniques in conjunction with selection of several tree species, it has been possible to plant Acacia tortilis, A. modesta, A. aneura, A. victoriae, Prosopis cineraria, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Tecoma undulata successfully in rainfall zones of 250-300 mm. The best performance in this regards has been given by different seed lots of Acacia nilotica.
• Afforestation in waterlogged and saline area: A number of local and exotic species considered to be suitable for such areas have been tested. Several Acacia and Casuarina species of Australian origin and Prosopis species have given encouraging results along with Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Tamarix aphylla, Acacia nilotica and Acacia modesta.
• Tree fertilization: To improve the rate of growth, fertilization studies have been carried out on coniferous as well as broad leaved species. Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Cedrus deodara and Pinus roxburghii responded well in the field.
• Management of forests: Management studies on Eucalyptus camaldulensis have indicated that over a period of four years, the species can give three times the yield if planted at 1.5 x 1.5 m as against 3 x 3 m spacing. Similarly in the case of poplars it has been found that close spacing gives maximum yield on a short rotation for pulp and paper.
• Farm forestry: Experimental cum demonstration studies were conducted at different places to find out the inter-relationships between trees and agricultural crops and to increase the farm income through trees and agricultural crops and to increase the farm income through tree growth on the farmlands. The tree species used in these studies were poplar, simal, shisham, ipil ipil and eucalypts and the crops commonly raised were wheat, cotton, sugarcane, maize and clovers etc. As a result of campaign started by the Pakistan Forest Institute the farmers of Peshawar and Mardan valley are growing poplars on a very large scale. Similar is the case with eucalypts, which are extensively planted on irrigated and barani farm lands. The studies indicated that though trees on the farmlands cause depressing of agricultural crops near the shelterbelts but the income from sale of trees compensated any loss to the farmers.
• Increase in resin yields: It has been possible to raise the yield of resin from chir pine trees from the existing level of 1.5 kg to 3.7 kg per tree in one season of tapping under the new method which involves use of 40% sulphuric acid solution in conjunction with American bark hack chipping method. Further, with the conventional method the butt long was damaged resulting in about 10% loss of valuable timber. The new method does not damage the wood at all.
• Increased production of biomass: Some species are planted, specially by farmers, to get maxium biomass in a short time for domestic use. A number of species like Acacia nilotica, Acacia modesta, Leucaena leucocephala, Prosopis cineraria, E. camaldulensis. Poplar species and clones were evaluated for biomass production. In some cases biomass of a species was also determined when planted at different spacings. The results are a useful guide for both field foresters and farmers.

Species Recommended for Different Edaphic Climatic Sites and Method of Planting

The Site	Species recommended	Method of planting	Remarks
Sandy soils/sand dunes Inland hot sand dune	Acacia senegal, A.tortilis, A-victorae, Calli-gonum polygonoides, Prosopis cineraria, cineraria, P.juliflora, Saccharum munja, Tamarix aphylla, Zzyphus mauritiana, Znummularia, Parkinsonia.	15-20 cm cuttings in case of Calligonum, Tamarix, Arundo donax, Vitex negundo, with winter rains. Other species 6-9 month old plants in polythene tubes. In parallelsstrips or chess board design from crest to the heel of the dune.	If irrigation available plant Acacia modesta, Dalbergia sissoo and Eucalyptus camaldulensis around the toes of sand dunes.
Inland cold sand dunes	Arundo donax, Calligonum polygonoides, Robinia pseudoacacia, Tamarix gallica, Vitexnegundo.	Plant cuttings, tube plants with winter rain/snow.
Coastal sand dunes	Prosopis juliflora.	Plant one-year old tube stock.	Use sub-soil water to irrigate, daily for one month and later on as and when necessary.
Saline Alkali soils	Acacia nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E.microtheca, Leucaena leucocephala, Phoenix dactyh’fera, Pithecolobium duice, Populus euphratica, Prosopis cineraria, P.juliflora, Sesbania aculeata, S.aegyptiaca, Tamarix aphylla.	Sesbanea aculeata for 1-2 years and plough it back. Plant 6-9 month old plants in polythene tubes either on flat ground or on the berm of 0.3-0.5m deep trenches. Replace salty soil with sweet soil in pits. Plough and dibble seed of A. nilotica	Provide hand watering or flow irrigation, if possible, otherwise plant with the onset of rainy season.
Waterlogged swampy lands	Acacia nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E.microtheca, Leucaena leucocephala, Phoenix dactyh’fera, Pithecolobium duice, Populus euphratica, Prosopis cineraria, P.juliflora, Sesbania aculeata, S.aegyptiaca, Tamarix aphylla.	Use one year old poly bag plants. Plant on raised beds, mounds and along deep continuous channels dug for drainage.	Channels should be dug in herring bone design i.e. channels at 45° angle leading into one main bigger channel.
Calcareous soils	Acacia nilotica, Albizzia spp. Azadirachta indica, Eleagnus hortensis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Tamarix aphylla.	Plant 6-9 month old polythene tube plants in 30 cm deep pits in monsoon season or with winter rains, if any. Breaking of the hard pan layer is essential.	In areas below 250 mm annual provide hand watering in the first year if no flow irrigation is available.
Shallow/stony soils	Acacia cyanophylla, A.modesta, A.tortilis, A-victorae, Ceratonia siliqua, E.camaldu-lensis, Zizyphus mauritiana.	Plant 6-12 month old polythene tube stock in winter with rains and again in monsoon season in 0.3 m deep pits.	Hand water or irrigate for a year.
Drought prone areas	Acacia albida, A.aneura, A.nilotica A.modesta, A-victoria, A.tortilis, Tamarix aphylla, Tecoma undulata.	Adopt techniques for water harvesting/ moisture conservation such as trenches with catchment, mulches, deep planting, drip irrigation. Use 6-9 month old tube plants.	Hand water for one year in areas with less than 250 mm rainfall, Hand water in other areas also if summer rains fail. Use drip irrigation system
Flood prone areas Hills and Foot hills	Ailanthus altissimia, Amorpha fruitloose, Bauhinia Variegata, Cassia fistula, Dalbergia sissoo, E.camaldulensis, E.tereticornis, Impmoea carnea, Robinia pseudoacacia, Saccharum munja, Salix tetrasperma, Poplars, Wex negundo.	Dig 30-50 cm deep pits of 30 cm Use 6-9 month old tube plants in other cases. Use entire plants of Ailanthus, Robinia, Amorpha, Bauhinea and Eucalyptus. Use root-shoot cuttings of Dalbergia sissoo and rhizomes or tufts of Saccharum munja. Plant cuttings of Ipomoea, Vitex and Willow in moist soil.	Plant one year old poplar plants in deep moist soil.
Plains	Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sissoo, E.camaldulensis, Populus euphratica, Prosopis cineraria, Tamarix dioica Bamboos.	Broad cast seed of A. nilotica from boats during inundation. Do aerial seeding with A; nilotica and P_ cineraria seed. Plant 6-9 month old tube plants of other species. Use root-shoot cuttings of Dalberpia sissoo. Plant bamboo culms.	Hand water tube plants/ root-shoot cuttings by digging small wells; 16-18 waterings In the first year, 10-20 in the second.
Northern dry mountains eroded rainfed lands, foot hills	Acacia nilotica, A-modesta, Arundo donax, Broussonetia papyrifera, Dodonaea viscosa, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E.microtheca, Ipomoea carnea, Saccharum munja, Tamarix aphylla, Prosopis juliflora, Zizyphus mauritiana, Agave sissalana, Dendrocalamus strictus.	Sow/plant on berms or beds of trenches/troughs in monsoon season/winter rains. Dig trenches along the contour. Prepare staggered ridges.	Give one or two hand waterings after planting.
Western dry mountains and dry western plateau	Cupressus arizonica, Fraxinus xanthoxyloides, Gleditschia triacanthos, Juniperus excelsa, Pinus elderica, Pistacia khinjuk, Prunus eburnea, Ephedra nebrodenses	Two year old tube plants in 0.3m deep pits with stone mulch in one metre radius eitherm early spring with the start of snow melt or in monsoon.	Snow fencing is helpful to retain moisture for a longer period. Irrigate twice a month, for survival of plants for first six months.
Northern moist mountains	Conifers:Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Pinus roxburghii, P.wallichiana.Broad Leaved:Acer caesium, Aesculus indica, Ailanthus excelsa, AInus nitida, Cedrela serrata, Celtis australfs, Gleditschia triacanthos, Juglans regis, Platanus orientalis, Populus ciliata, P.deltoides, P.nigra, Quercus dilatata, Q.ilex, Robinia pseudoacacia, Salix babylonica, S.tetrasperma.	One to two year old poly bag plants in 0.3m deep pits in early spring or monsoons. or Direct sowing of seed. Plant rooted plants of Poplar and Willows, others raised in polythene tubes, all one year old.	Land may have to be terraced along contours. Mulching would be helpful.

Project Objectives

• To cater for the research needs of forests and allied natural resources of moist and dry temperate ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• To provide educational and training facility for forestry students of PFI and Field Officers of Forest and Wildlife Departments inside the high hills forests.
• To test and demonstrate effective technologies and approaches for Sustainable Forest Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Watershed Protection, Range Management, and Agro-Forestry under the local climatic conditions.
• To build the capacity of local communities for forest conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management in the area.

Project Duration

Date of commencement	July, 2015
Date of Completion	June, 2018
Total Duration of the Project	03 Years
Total Cost of the Project	Rs. 48.47 Million

Project Activities

• Signing of MoU between Forest Department and PFI for the handing/taking of defunct KIDP complex to be utilized as Field Station, Kalam.
• Repair & maintenance of PFI Field station including construction of boundary wall, provision of drinking water supply and electricity.
• Trainings and Capacity Building of staff of Forest and Wildlife Department’s officers in Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants, Biodiversity Conservation, Seed Collection & Storage Techniques, Nursery Raising and Soil Conservation Techniques.
• Integrated research cum demonstration activities, including:
  1. Afforestation, field experiment trials for application various Silvicultural treatments.
  2. Assessment of climate change impacts on dry temperate forests.
  3. Development of Integrated Pest Management techniques for dry temperate forest pests.
  4. Direct sowing.
  5. Intra specific Grafting of Chilghoza Pine.
  6. Medicinal plants surveys and research and demonstration trials of medicinal plants cultivation.
  7. Raising of bare rooted (broad leaved nursery).
  8. Raising of tube nursery (Deodar, Kail, Fir/spruce).
  9. Range management trials and establishment of a range research nursery.
  10. Seed collection of important coniferous and broad leaved trees species Wildlife Surveys.

Watershed Management

The Watershed Management research was started in the Pakistan Forest Institute with the creation of a branch in 1966. The facility was strengthened during the period from 1982 to 1991 through a development project and assistance of FAO/UNDP. It is responsible for conducting applied research in soil and water conservation, water harvesting and slope stabilization. It consists of one Watershed Management Specialist, two Assistant Silviculturist, one Research Officer and four Field Assistants. It also imparts training in Watershed Management, Soil Conservation to B.Sc. and M.Sc. Forestry students.

Significant Achievements

Studies have been conducted in the past on soil and water conservation, water harvesting and critical slope stabilization. Six watershed research stations have been established in different ecological zones of the country for conducting long-term watershed management research because sufficient time is needed for obtaining useful results. Most of the studies in this discipline have been started few years back. Therefore, only results are available. A brief account of significant achievement in research is given below:

• Watershed research in scrub zone at Missa Keswal (Punjab): Data on hydrometerology of treated and untreated watersheds, covering a period of sixteen years, have showed that planting of trees, protection from grazing and installation of gully erosion control structures reduce the sediment yield and surface runoff by 63% and 48% respectively in scrub zone with loess soil.
• Watershed research in sub-tropical chir pine zone at Fazagut, Swat: Different vegetation treatments were tested for finding the suitable tree species or combination of tree species for the rehabilitation of denuded watersheds. The results indicate that a mixed planting of chir pine and broad leave tree species with channel erosion control measures is effective treatment for denuded catchments.
• Watershed research in moist temperate zone at Chakar (AJK): The results show that hydrological response is highest from terraced agriculture land and lowest from the catchment covered with blue pine forest, while the sediment loss is highest in degraded rangelands, followed by agriculture lands and was lowest in the forested land. The results show that forest is best land use for regulating the stream flow as well as erosion control in this ecological zone.
• Ground water recharge research in Quetta valley: Ground water recharge works were carried out in Quetta valley. The treatments included contour trenches, check dams, percolation ditches and detention dams. The results of the research studies show that watershed treatments were effective in reducing the surface runoff and enhancing the infiltration in the catchments. It was also observed that main recharge zone are stream beds.
• Watershed reseach in dry zone area, Loralai, Balochistan: A research station was established in Loralai district in order to develop technology for proper management of arid watersheds. The studies proved the efficacy of afforestation, water conservation and range improvement techniques and natural vegetation with and without protection, on water and sediment yield.
• Soil conservation study at Chattar Kalas (AJK): The results show that bio-technical control measures reduce the erosion rate to one sixth and only technical control measures (contour bunds/check dams) reduce the sediment yield to one third of that of untreated areas.
• Investigation of the effect of soil conservation measures on agriculture/tree crop production and sediment yield at Kharian: A study has been carried out to investigate the effect of terracing, conservation benches and strip cropping on erosion control and on agriculture/tree crop production in the scrub zone. The results show that terracing with planting of iple iple tree on risers was quite effective in controlling runoff and sediment yield as compared to conservation benches and strip cropping.
• Mountain slope development by planting of forage tree and grass species and by soil conservation techniques in Kund Forest: The resuslts of the study show that planting of improved varieties of legumes and grasses on terraces, hillside ditches and staggered troughs not only increases the forage production but is also effective in reducing the erosion rate in moist temperate zone.
• Water conservation techniques: Water conservation techniques have been developed and tested in different localities for the establishment of plantations of forest tree species. Microcatchments, conservation trenches, hillside ditches were found effective not only in increasing the survival rate but also in almost doubling the growth rate of fast growing tree species such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia nilotica and Leuceana leucocephala in the scrub zone at Kharian, Kohat and Loralai. In Quetta valley the techniques were found effective reducing surface runoff as well as sediment yield by 100 percent.
• Water harvesting studies: Rain water harvesting experiments were conducted at Kharian (Punjab), D.I. Khan (NWFP) and Dagarkotli (Punjab). Roaded catchments with 2-4 meter slope length and 7% gradient were found effective in enhancing the surface runoff for water resource development. In addition to increasing agriculture crops production, forest tree species such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia nilotica and Acacia albida were successfully planted with the system.
• Critical slope stabilization: Through the experiments conducted on bioengineering techniques for critical slope stabilization it was found that techniques such as brush layering, brush hedge layering, brush wattles and saccharum hedges were successful in stabilizing the critical slopes. Saccharum hedges treatment was found economical in the scrub zone.
• Land slide control: Two critical land slides one in Murree area and other in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were stabilized success-fully by adopting scientific control measures. A study on the consumptive use of water by different tree species used for planting the slide areas has been started at Bhurban, Muree.
• Plot studies: Plot studies conducted at Ghoragali showed that sediment yield from the plots under pole crop of chir pine, young chir pine, fair grass cover, depleted grass and bare soil was 0.47, 1.81, 4.24, 20.39 and 72 tonns/ha/year respectively. The same trend was also found for the hydrological response. At Balakot the old chir pine crop, natural vegetation with and without grazing yield 0.07, 0.1 and 0.23 tonns of sediment/ha/ year while at Batagram the sediment yield from the plots with Robinia planting with natural vegetation, chir pine with natural vegetation, natural vegetation without grazing and natural vegetation with grazing was 0.16, 0.18, 0.23 and 0.39 tonns/ha/year respectively. A new study is being established at Kharian with 30 x 10 meter plots to investigate the effect of different land uses and vegetation on water and sediment yield.

Biological Sciences Research Division (DBSRD)

The Biological Sciences Research Division was created in 1969 and consists of research branches of Forest Botany, Forest Chemistry and Forest Pathology. The research and training activities of this Division are ancillary to those of forestry research, education and to the practice of forestry. The division is headed by a Director, responsible for planning, management and supervision of research programmes of the branches in the Division.

Major Disciplines

• Forest Botany
• Forest Chemistry
• Forest Pathology

Forest Botany

The Forest Botany Branch of Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) was established in January 1949. Since its inception, the branch is actively engaged in research and education in the field of Forest Botany and allied disciplines.

Objectives

• To conduct vegetation surveys and explores plant wealth.
• To establish and maintain herbarium as plant library for identification, references and record of flora of Pakistan.
• To establish and maintain Botanical garden (living plant museum) of rare and endangered plant species to conserve plant diversity for future prosperity and to impart practical training to forestry students in ecology and Taxonomy subjects.
• Teaching Forest Botany, Taxonomy and allied subjects to M.Sc. and B.Sc. forestry classes.
• Coordination and collaboration with provincial Forest Departments in solving vegetation related problems.
• Advisory services to the Government, NGO and concerned quarters.

Forest Chemistry

Forest Chemistry Branch of the Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar was established in 1960 with the aims to conduct research on many important disciplines connected with forests and forestry research i.e. wood chemistry, chemical screening of aromatic and medicinal plants, soil analysis and evaluation of nutritive value of forages, forbs and grasses.

Objectives

• Chemical analysis of wood and wood components and other byproducts related to wood.
• Chemical screening of medicinal and aromatic plants etc. for determining their suitability for utilization by pharmaceutical, cosmetic and allied industries.
• Determination of site quality for planting trees under various ecological zones based on physico-chemical characteristics of soils including saline and water-logged areas.
• Chemical analysis for nutritive value of forages, forbs and grasses to evaluate the feasibility for selection of better strains of grasses, forbs etc., based on their chemical composition and additive value to livestock.
• Recommendations based on the chemical evaluation are made for the industries concerned.
• Imparting training and education to the students of MSc & BSc Forestry classes.

Forest Pathology

Although the work on different pathological problems of forest trees and their control remained continued since the inception of the country in 1947 but the systematic study of various diseases of forests and their impact on the yield and quality of forest produce was started with the creation of Forest Pathology Branch on 14.6.1977 in the Institute. Forest Pathology Branch of the Institute has conducted various studies under different projects assisted by the National and International agencies.

The branch is responsible for conducting research on various aspects of beneficial and harmful microbial agents occurring in different forest Eco-systems, and also responding to inquiries raised by different agencies; maintaining Forest Pathology Herbarium with the collection of more then 3500 specimens of pathological importance collected from through out Pakistan during the last 50 years. The Branch has published more than 75 papers on forest health. Besides, the branch is imparting education and training on forest Mycology and Pathology to Forestry students, trainees of Forest Departments, NGOs, along with supervising the thesis work of the students.

Significant Achievements

• The reconnaissance and intensive surveys of different forest areas in Pakistan revealed the occurrence of a number of disease causing pathogens on various forest trees.

Forest Products Research Division (DFPRD)

The history of Forest Products Research in Pakistan dates back to 1947 when the Government of Pakistan started education in forestry at the Pakistan Forest Institute at Faisalabad. Forest Utilization Branch was established in it at the same time. It was the first research branch of the Institute, which consisted of a Forest Utilization Officer and two junior officers at that time.

In 1969, this branch was upgraded to a division level to be headed by a Director, with the provision of facilities for education and research in physico-mechanical and anatomical properties of wood, wood seasoning, wood preservation and composite wood products. In 1980, facilities for education and research in pulp and paper and forest engineering were added and a field station was established at Shinkiari, Mansehra, through a development project assisted by the German government.

Presently, the Division consists of a Director and has a number of branches dealing with research and education in different disciplines of wood and wood products and forest engineering. The main functions of the Division are given below:

• To plan, organize and supervise research and training in Forest Products and Forest Engineering.
• To provide technical advisory services to the provincial/regional forest departments, Government departments and wood industries and farmers on all matters relating to wood harvesting, marketing and utilization.

Main Branches

• Pulp & Paper
• Wood Technology
• Composite Wood Products
• CIPT

Pulp & Paper

This branch conducts education and research in pulp and paper products. In general the activities of this branch include the following

• Testing local woods for their use in pulp and paper products.
• Developing economical pulping techniques for manufacturing different grades of paper from, low quality woods.
• Developing different pulp furnishes for producing various grades of paper for substituting imported products.
• This branch consists of a Senior Pulp and Paper Officer and two Pulp and Paper Officers. This branch also imparts education in pulp and paper technology to B.Sc. and M.Sc. students.

Current Research & Programme

• Testing of local raw materials for pulp and paper.
• Determination of properties of paper from commercial pulp, wood pulp and their mixtures.
• Conduct pulp and paper industry survey in Pakistan.
• Investigation of chemical composition of local timbers.

Significant Achievements

• Economical techniques were developed to produce standard quality pulp and paper products from low quality woods of eucalypts, poplars, ipil ipil and bamboos. Pulping and paper making parameters for this raw material were determined after a number of trials for establishing local pulp and paper industry on locally produced wood raw material of eucalypts, poplars, bamboos, etc.
• With a view to substitute imports and save foreign exchange on long fiber pulp, locally available, wood of Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) was tested for producing standard quality long fiber pulp in laboratory and mill scale studies. It was found that long fiber pulp could be produced in the local pulp mills for reducing dependence on imported pulp.

Wood Technology (Wood Seasoning and Preservation)

This branch conducts research for finding efficient and economic methods of wood seasoning and prolonging the life of wood and wood products through preservatives. It consists of a Wood Seasoning and Preservation Officer, one Assistant Wood Seasoning Officer and two Research/Technical Assistants. The officers also teach students of M.Sc. and B.Sc. Forestry the subjects of wood technology, seasoning and preservation, and arrange short courses in wood technology for in-service personnel of government departments, armed forces, industries, etc.

Current Research Programme

• Determination of physical and mechanical properties of local timbers.
• Investigation of anatomical characteristics of local timber.
• Development of solar lumber dryer.

Significant Achievement

• Use of poplar wood as cross arms on the electric transmission poles as cheaper substitute-of deodar wood which in addition to its high price has limited availability.
• Utilization of Eucalyptus wood having no commercial importance other than fuel wood was made possible through research and several useful products like cross arms, furniture and as a fencing material.
• Determination of air and kiln-seasoning techniques of different local wood species through extensive experiments which resulted in minimizing the loses due to seasoning defects.
• To protect from the attack of biological agencies especially of insects and termites on wood. Appropriate technologies were developed for the treatment of timber with different chemicals by dipping, pressure treatment and sap displacement methods. Experiments were laid out under different ecological zones in Pakistan to test the natural resistance of local timber species against the attack of micro-organisms.
• Trials are underway to develop techniques to use solar energy for drying wood and reducing the cost of drying.

Composite Wood Products

This branch is engaged in developing wood conserving techniques through improving the use of waste generated in mills and forests and of local and exotic timbers of low quality in manufacture of board products (plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, laminated wood, cement-bonded boards, gypsum boards and medium density fiberboards) of desired properties. It has one Assistant Composite Wood Officer, one Assistant Wood Technology Officer and one Field Assistant, who in addition to conducting research and education in the subject, hold short courses and advise on matters relating to efficient use of wood for board products. It aims to improve the wood utilization practices by improving the use of commercially less important timbers which have no use other than fuel and to develop techniques for reducing wastage of quality timbers already in use. The purpose of improvement of wood utilization practices is to increase qualitative and quantitative production of the local wood industry.

Current Research Programme

• Improvement of moisture repelling properties of particle boards.
• Determination of properties of commercial particle board for standardization of the products.
• Manufacture of door and window frames from laminated wood to promote utilization of small size timber.
• Manufacture of exterior grade plywood from local timbers Improving the durability of commercial particleboards and plywood against termites and powder post beetles.

Significant Achievements

• A large number of low quality timbers having no commercial importance other than fuel were tested for their use in resin bonded particleboard and hardboard manufacture with the object of improving their value.
• Mineral bonded boards such as gypsum board and cement bonded particleboards were developed from manufacturing waste and inferior quality timbers for substituting solid wood.
• Fast growing species with timbers of low commercial importance were tested for their performances in plywood of standard properties.
• Gluing properties of local timbers were investigated for assessing their suitability in producing large size wood from smaller size timber e.g. laminated wood. This type of product is not only useful in conserving good quality timbers but is also helpful in increasing the value of low quality material and improving the quality of productions.

Integrated Forestry Research Initiative & Computerization of Important Pakistani Timbers

CIPT

Forest Education Division (FED)

Forest Education Division was started in the Pakistan Forest Institute in November 1947 to complete the training of students of Pakistan who had to leave the Forest Research Institute Dehra Dun, India at the time of partition. The training facilities originally consisted of a branch which was subsequently upgraded to a Division in 1969. It started training personnel of two service cadres in the provincial/regional forest departments, namely, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACFs) and Range Forest Officers (RFOs) at professional and sub-professional levels through two separate courses leading to the award of Diploma in Forestry also called Associate of Pakistan Forest College (APFC) and Certificate in Forestry respectively. Minimum requirements for admission to Diploma course was a B.Sc. degree and for Certificate in Forestry course an F.Sc certificate. Each course was of two years duration. The Diploma and the Certificate were awarded by the Institute.

However, in order to cope with the increased responsibilities of the forest departments and other forestry related agencies the curricula were expanded and upgraded from Diploma in Forestry and Certificate in Forestry to B.Sc. Hons. in Forestry degree and Diploma in Forestry for ACFs and RFOs respectively at the time of affiliation of the Institute with the University of Peshawar in 1958. This arrangement continued for many years. Later, it was realized that the forestry graduates of the Institute could not compete with graduates from other professional institutions with the same number of years of studies in getting equitable salaries and grades in government departments. They were also facing difficulties in getting admission in Ph.D courses in foreign universities due to lack of indepth study and thesis experience. Therefore, the curricula were again revised and expanded in 1972 and 1974 for upgradation of B.Sc. Hons in forestry degree to M.Sc. Forestry degree and a Diploma in Forestry to B.Sc. Forestry degree. Specialization was also introduced at M.Sc. Forestry degree level in the subjects of Forest Products and Engineering, Watershed Management and Farm and Energy in 1981, 1985 and 1987 respectively. On HEC instructions, 4 years BS Forestry degree program was started in 2013.

In addition to classroom lecture in more than 30 different subject of Forestry, Forest Products and allied discipline, the students are imparted practical knowledge by study tours to all types of forests in all provinces of Pakistan. Every M.Sc. student has to write a Forestry Management Plan on the basis of field data collected by him on different management aspects of the forests. They have also to write thesis on various topics of Forestry, Forest Products and Allied Discipline as part of their degree programme.

The Forest Education Division consists of a Director, four Assistant Professors of Forestry and three Lecturers in Forestry. They look after curricular and extra-curricular activities of the students in addition to teaching their own subjects of specialization. The Institute has trained 1413 (including 60 foreigners) in M.Sc. Forestry 1911 (including 62 foreigners) in B.Sc. Forestry and 25 graduates in BS Forestry courses so far BS Forestry. All professional and technical manpower presently working in provincial/regional forest departments and government agencies in Pakistan has been trained by the Institute.

See Also: Pakistan Forest Institute Peshawar Academic Courses (Syllabus) – M.Sc. Forestry, B.Sc. Forestry, BS Forestry

Also Check: Click Here to Access the Largest Collection of Books/Research Papers/Thesis/PowerPoint Presentation related to Forestry and other Environmental Sciences

Biodiversity Division

This division was established in August, 2016 to deal with the emerging issues and challenges to biodiversity in the scenario of drastic changes occurring on earth and their impacts on biodiversity. Initially this division consists of the following branches;

• Wildlife Management
• Range Management
• Forest Genetics
• Extension

Main objectives as under;
– To conduct field surveys to determine the status of flora and fauna
– To determine the level of threats to various species of flora and fauna
– To adopt the modern conservation measures for the conservation of species
– In-situ and ex-situ conservation of flora and fauna species of Pakistan

Main Branches

Wildlife Management

Research in wildlife management in Pakistan Forest Institute was started with the appointment of a Wildlife Management Specialist in 1974. Since the field was absolutely new the work had to be started right from a scratch. In order to develop base data, the work carried out during the past decade and a half centered around surveys and population dynamics of various wildlife species including mammals, birds and reptiles. Beside Wildlife Management Specialist, the Branch has four Field Assistants.

Significant Achievements

• Waterfowl counts: In order to record annual fluctuation in population of migratory waterfowls passing through Pakistan different bird species were counted in Chashma Barrage, Mangla Dam, Head Marala, Ochali lake, Rasul lake, Head Qaderabad, Kalar Kahar lake, Khabbeki lake, Jailar lake, and Namal lake. The data are collected for I.W.R.B. to determine the status of the endangered species in this part of the world.
• Population Dynamics of Chiltan Markhor: Chiltan Markhor is a rare species available in Pakistan and now confined only to Chiltan Hazarganji range in Balochistan. In order to study its population and identify various factors affecting its population census has been conducted yearly in November. Various factors affecting population of Chiltan Markhor are:
• Predators like wolves and golden eagles have been known for predation upon young animals.
• Increase in population of parcopines and Indian Hares in the park has adversely affected the Markhor habitat by damaging the shrubs and ground flora.
• Heavy snow and accidents have reduced population of young ones.
• Poachers kill 2/4 animal each year.
• It was observed that corrective measures could help increase markhor population to a considerable extent.
• Distribution and population of Musk deer: Musk deer is an endangered animal in Pakistan. Studies on its occurrence and population at various locations in the country were undertaken. Based on the population results and behavioural studies corrective measures were formulated for the augmentation of musk deer population.
• Ecological studies of Crocodile: Crocodiles are favoured for farming the world over. Ecological studies were conducted to record population and behaviour of the animal in Hingol and Hub river, covering about 200 km2 area. Population increase along 8 km stretch of river Hingol was recorded and possibilities of farming of crocodile were determined.
• Floral and faunal characteristics of Hingol and Dhrum National parks: On the request of the Balochistan Forest Department, studies were carried out in the newly established National Parks and a list of mammals, birds and reptiles as well as plants found in these parks was prepared.
• Survey of Endangered animals in Khunjerab National Park: A survey of the endangered mammals especially the Marcopolo sheep, Snow leopard and Wild Ass was carried out in the Khunjerab National Park for which survey methodology was initially developed.
• Sindh Ibex in Raskoh Mountains: Population studies were conducted on ibex in Wara, Toot-alvop, Wazzard, Siah Pochaini, Chankor, Gandhaf, Tawoonia, Sakh, Murgan Reet, Mehshak and Banckan in Raskoh.
• Mountains: While surveying for the animals in Lus area indication of heavy hunting and poaching were recorded. It was estimated that at the present rate of decrease in its population, the ibex will disappear from this part of Balochistan in a decade.
• Problem of Re-introduced Black Buck in Lal Sohanra National Park: Black buck was once native to Cholistan desert but became extinct by 1967 due to ruthless hunting. To introduce the species back 10 animals were donated by W.W.F. in 1970 which were kept in an enclosure over 518 ha area. Causes for slow rate of increase were found to be disturbance of habitat, shortage of food, snake bites diseases and predators like caracal cat.
• Population Dynamics of Kashmir Markhor: A study was started to determine the population dynamics and habitat characteristics of Markhor. Periodical observation showed that the maximum population is observed in January and December when the animals occupy lower ranges and minimum in May, June when the animal occupy high grazing ground.

Range Management

The Range Management Branch was started in the Pakistan Forest Institute in 1965. Research for improving rangeland in the country is being conducted in it since its inception. The main areas of research are development of scientific range management techniques in different ecological zones. It is also responsible for teaching range management to M.Sc. and B.Sc. classes. Presently it consists of a Range Management Officer, an Assistant Silviculturist, two Forest Rangers and three Foresters.

Significant Achievements

A number of range surveys and research studies of applied nature on different aspects of rangeland management have been conducted by the Branch. The salient results are given below:

• Range surveys: The area, classification status and improvement potential of all the rangelands in the country were determined. The contribution of rangelands toward GNP was estimated at 9 percent. Appropriate rangeland management activities were recommended for different rangelands based on detailed and scientific studies of clipping intensities, grazing management, range vegetation analysis and carrying capacity. These studies have suggested that forage production in Thal and elsewhere could be enhanced 6 times the present level of production by applying the appropriate range management techniques.
• Range improvement: Detailed evaluation of different improvement activities in various localities has been carried out to assess their effects on quality and quantity of forages. These activities among others, include, seeding/reseeding, enclosure, fertilization and introduction of high yielding nutritious forage species. The seeding studies indicated that flats area in Thal were suitable for sowing Cenchrus ciliaris. Similarly, sand dunes in Thal could be successfully planted with Cenchrus ciliaris, Elionurus hirsustus and Zizyphus mauritiana. Enclosure studies indicated that forage production could be enhanced 3.7 times in alpine area and by 7 times in sub-tropical humid zone. The studies on application of chemical fertilization show that forage production can be enhanced two times in sub-tropical humid zone and 1.6 times in sub-alpine and temperate zones.
• Selection of forage and fodder species: Based on their performance, a number of high yielding and nutritious forage species have been recommended for seeding and interseeding in different localities.
• Range nutrition: A number of local and exotic forage species have been chemically analysed to assess their nutritive values.
• Silvo-pastoral system: Intercropping of Cenchrus ciliaris and Eucalyptus camaldulensis was successfully carried out in degraded range type of Jamrud area. It was found to be both feasible and economical for the farmers.
• Germplasm multiplication: About 125 indigenous and exotic forage and fodder species and ecotypes are being grown in a 12 ha nursery at Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar About 150 kg seed is produced every year and supplied to the different agencies for further testing and multiplication.

Forest Genetics Branch

It was established in 1969. However, some work of tree improvement was earlier carried out by the Silviculture Branch. It consists of one Forest Geneticist, one Assistant Forest Geneticist, one Assistant Silviculturist, one Technical Assistant and four Field Assistants/Foresters. It is responsible for research in the following areas:

• Determination of suitability of tree species/provenances/progenies for different ecological regions.
• Introduction of exotic tree species.
• Collection of better quality seed from plus trees and stands and its distribution to Provincial Forest Departments and other organizations.
• Studies on tree seed collection, testing and storage conditions.
• Teaching Forest Genetics to the M.Sc. and B.Sc. forestry classes.

Significant Achievements

• Genetic variation in blue pine (Pinus wallichiana): The species has been differentiated into 2 ecotypes viz. P. wallichiana var. wallichiana and P. wallichiana var. karakorama. Its seed zones have also been identified which has a great applications in afforestation programmes.
• Considering the importance of Eucalyptus in Pakistan, more than one hundred species/seed sources of the species were tested both under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions of Pakistan. A number of promising provenances of E. camaldulensis and other species from Australia were found to be suitable for afforestation in these areas.
• Work was done on introduction of poplar clones of Populus deltoides. The ST-66 and 67 clones from Texas showed five times higher volume than indigenous poplars. Some clones are even better than a commonly cultivated poplar cultivar, CVI-214. A mixture of clones of P. deltoides have been released after testing these at 12 sites (as north as Hunza and as south as Hyderabad) in Pakistan.
• Considering the importance of fuelwood and fodder especially in the low rainfall areas of Pakistan, some exotics like Acacia tortilis, A. albida, Prosopis pallida, Prosopis chilensis have been found to be suitable under arid and semi-arid conditions.
• Sties on genotype-environment interaction have shown site specificity for some species. Comparing the growth of different species, suitable species have been identified for certain ecological zones of Pakistan e.g. a clone of Populus deltoides (AY-18) and a variety of Leucaena leucocephala which have been recommended for large scale planting in different parts of the country.

Different studies on genetic variation of Pinus roxburghii, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, seed stands have been established to produce quality seed for afforestation programmes.

Seed is regularly collected from superior trees and stands in large quantities and supplied to forest officers, farmers, etc. every year.

Extension

Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP)

Sericulture has been practiced as a cottage industry in Pakistan since its inception in 1947. Punjab was the first province to start sericulture immediately after partition followed by Azad Kashmir in 1951; NWFP in 1952; Baluchistan in 1959 and Sindh in 1976. However the industry could not progressed well due to lack of training and research facilities in the country. The silkworm rearers used old traditional and crude methods for cocoon production, mostly in Punjab around the irrigated plantations, by obtaining leaves from the local full height mulberry trees grown for timber production.

Establishment of research and training unit was imperative to create research and training facilities for the development of Sericulture. Hence a sericulture unit was established at PFI, Peshawar in 1984 under a development project funded by FAO/UNDP with the objectives to conduct research studies in sericulture and moriculture and train people at various professional levels to promote sericulture industry in the country. Korean and Chinese experts provided technical know-how in silkworm rearing and silk seed technology.

Main Disciplines

• Sericulture
• Forest Entomology
• Medicinal Plant

Sericulture

Sericulture has been practiced as a cottage industry in Pakistan since its inception in 1947. Punjab was the first province to start sericulture immediately after partition followed by Azad Kashmir in 1951; NWFP in 1952; Baluchistan in 1959 and Sindh in 1976. However the industry could not progressed well due to lack of training and research facilities in the country. The silkworm rearers used old traditional and crude methods for cocoon production, mostly in Punjab around the irrigated plantations, by obtaining leaves from the local full height mulberry trees grown for timber production.

Establishment of research and training unit was imperative to create research and training facilities for the development of Sericulture. Hence a sericulture unit was established at PFI, Peshawar in 1984 under a development project funded by FAO/UNDP with the objectives to conduct research studies in sericulture and moriculture and train people at various professional levels to promote sericulture industry in the country. Korean and Chinese experts provided technical know-how in silkworm rearing and silk seed technology.

Establishment of Mulberry Gene Bank / Research Garden

A mulberry nursery, both in tubes and beds was raised at Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar. Six mulberry varieties including exotic sources, two each from Japan and Korea, and one each from China and Pakistan were planted. A total of 4,200 saplings were prepared. Besides, a mulberry gene bank/research garden was established at PFI Field Station. More than 64% plantation survival was achieved in autumn plantation after first over wintering.

Synthesis of Hybrid Silkworm Strains and Heterosis Assessment

Silkworm rearing was conducted for synthesizing hybrids, assessing heterosis effect, maintaining silkworm germplasm and producing silk seed. Silkworm rearing was conducted in Autumn Silkworm Rearing Season 2013 (ASRS 2013) and Spring Silkworm Rearing Season 2014 (SSRS 2014).

Overall results showed that growth performance of silkworm strains was superior during SSRS 2014 compared to ASRS 2013. Fecundity and larval body weight was improved by 2.9% and 10.0% in hybrids. In addition to the highest egg hatchability of 97.4% of 205PO*J101, seven hybrids gave egg hatchability >95% during SSRS 2014. First time larval body weight of 6.06 g and cocoon weight of 3.1 g was obtained in C102 and 206PO*J101, respectively. Overall, hybrid cocoon shell weight and shell-cocoon ratio increased by 4.6% and 3.8%, respectively. The hybrid cocoon dimensions were improved by 2.1% in length and 2.7% in width.

Outreach Activities

A survey was conducted using structured questionnaire at Changa Manga, Kasur to assess community perception about role of Sericulture in livelihood enhancement of rural communities. Overwhelming majority of respondents agreed that Sericulture was profitable cottage industry (98.1% positive response) which could enhance livelihood of rural communities (100% positive response). Occurrence of silkworm diseases was highlighted as a problem of paramount importance which was ruining Sericulture in the area. Introduction of productive and disease resistant silkworm strains could promote this industry.

• Silk seeds were provided to (i) Directorate of Non-Timber Forest Produce, Forest.
• Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (ii) Sericulture Wing, Forest.
• Department, Govt. of the Punjab, and (iii) Department of Agri.-Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
• Provided mulberry propagating material to Sericulture Department, GoAJK.
• Published a booklet titled “Manual for Sericulture” in Urdu for different stakeholders.

Forest Entomology

Forest Entomology Branch was established during 1947 with the creation of the Pakistan Forest Institute. Since its inception the main functions of the branch are conducting research on obnoxious forest insects and other pests and teaching the subjects of forest zoology and entomology. The branch has completed 39 research projects financed both by the Government of Pakistan and foreign agencies. The research findings have been published in the form of research articles, technical reports, popular publication and news items for the use of researchers, foresters and common man.

Among the completed project the Blue pine defoliator, Chir pine defoliator, Shisham bark borer and Walnut borer which were great havocs in very important areas like Islamabad, Murree, Kashmir, Hazara, and Swat. The havocs were averted in very marvelous ways by adopting the mechanic-biological means of control without polluting the environment with poisonous insecticides. In the teaching branch has played an active role in imparting practical training as well as covering the prescribed syllabi of the subjects of forest zoology and entomology to B.Sc. and M.Sc. forestry students.
Outcomes of the Project “Development of Environment Friendly Plant-Based Pesticides for Sustainable Forest Protection”

• Plants with pesticidal properties from five ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were known.
• Plant based formulations with known mode of actions like insecticidal, larvicidal, and deterrent and repellent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa obtained. New environment friendly based plant protection measures are strengthened.
• Dissemination of knowledge of botanical pesticides among different stakeholders.
• Dissemination of scientific knowledge to researchers, teachers and policy makers.

Medicinal Plant

A project “Botanical survey of medicinal plants and herbs”, was approved for 5 years by Government of Pakistan in 1948-49 and Medicinal Plants Branch was established in PFI in 1950. GoP placed it on permanent footing on 1st July, 1963.

Objectives

• Qualitative & quantitative survey of medicinal plants & regeneration problems in the forest.
• Cultivation trials of medicinal & aromatic plants for finding out agronomical data for improvements of crops.
• To assess the demand & supply of herbal drug plants in the market. To disseminate knowledge about the availability of medicinal plants to interested public & pharmaceutical industries.

Central Forest Library

Access Central Library Online

Central Forest Library Online Link Clink Here

Digital Collection Clink Here for Digital Collection

The central Forest Library, the nerve centre of the Institute, is housed in a spacious hall of the main building. At the time of independence in 1947, the Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun was declared a “unique institute” and as such its assets were not divided between India and Pakistan. We therefore got no share of books or literature from the said Institute. The nucleus of the present Library started with the purchase of 139 books from Dr. R. M. Gorrie’s private library in 1948. Although the start was made with a very limited number of books, the Library has now accumulated over 50,000 books, journals, reports, maps, etc., all accessioned and housed suitably constructed wooden shelves.

The literature available in the Library covers almost all aspects of forestry and forest product according to the Oxford System of Decimal Classification. Every endeavor is being made to keep the library up-to-date by adding latest publications on forestry and allied subjects issued throughout the world. The use of the Library is not restricted to the members, staff and students of the Pakistan Forest Institute, University of Peshawar, University of Agriculture, University of Engineering & Technology, Islamia College University, PCSIR Laboratories, Pakistan Academy for Rural Development and all other adjoining research and training institutions at Peshawar are equally benefited.

Moreover Central Forest Library is working as a hub in the Institute and provides full support to researchers and students around the world to find out required material in the library. Recently an advanced Library Information System has been developed for Books classification and Cataloging. Quick assess to the relevant material with the help of advance database is also available to explore researchers activities all around the world. A complete Database is designed and implemented recently to manage thousands of books and research articles inside the Library. Off-Line computerized database is in progress and material search is also available to explore relevant research material in side the Central Forestry Library. On-line access to database is in progress.

HEC Digital Library Access

HEC Digital Library access programme is now available in the Central Forest Library through the SFM Project for students, faculty members, researchers and visitors from the nearby educational/research organizations to cover their research needs. This facilitates the students for completion of their theses research, assignments and topics to complete study work. SFM project established the Digital Library with six Core-i7 systems and furnished the area for sitting.

HEC Digital Library Access Click Here

Pakistan Forest Institute Museum

The Museum is housed in the main building of the Institute and consists of three big halls measuring 160×40 feet, 80×39 feet and 79×39 feet. There is also a gallery on the west side of the main eastern hall of the museum. The Museum walls are wood paneled, displaying a number of important timbers grown in the country. Beautiful parquet flooring of teak has been done in all the three halls of the Museum.

Although a few items for the Museum were there since 1952 the Museum was really set up only in 1965. It is still being gradually developed along with the Institute. New and better exhibits are being added to the Museum as the time passes. In the short period since its inception, several articles, models, charts and exhibits have either made or acquired and are on displayed in the Museum. Four main division of the Museum deal with forestry research, biological sciences research, wood products research and forest education.

The forestry research division exhibits include materials depicting zonation of forest and the main tree species found in our forests. A model of irrigated forest plantation explains the techniques of raising tree crops in arid and semi-arid parts of Pakistan with canal irrigation. The exhibits also include a large number of photos of forest types and tree species found in the country and a display of technical papers and article published by the division. In the biological science research division there are a number of exhibits of general interest concerning some of our important tree species grown in Pakistan. Recently a fossilized tree dating back to millions of years obtained from the salt range has been added to the exhibits. A large cross-sectional disc of deodar cut from a tree about 350 years old is also being displayed showing the chronological occurrence of important historical events which happened during the life time of tree.

There is a large collection of medicinal plants found in our forests and the pharmaceutical products obtained from them have also been exhibited. This section also shows various diseases of wood and various types of damages done to timber by the fungi. Several insect pests have been preserved and displayed along with the damage wood specimens. Some spraying and dusting equipment for the application of pesticides are also exhibited. A fish aquarium has also been setup in this division. A wildlife section is represented by common birds and animals (stuffed) found in our forests. The exhibits about the so-called minor forest produce would be of interest to the visitors.

The wood products research division contains a revolving cabinet having microscopic structure of wood of important timber species of Pakistan can be seen. There is a model of wood seasoning kiln which explains the techniques of timber seasoning. Many other wood based industries such as paper manufacture, match industry, sports goods industry, resin tapping and turpentine manufacture, pencil manufacture and plywood and chipboard products are also exhibited in this division. The forest education division shows different kinds of instruments used for surveying forest areas, measuring heights and girths of tree, sawing tools and logging equipment, etc. other exhibits are related to the curricula of the Degree in Forestry courses of the Pakistan Forest Institute and are of considerable interest to the students.

Pakistan Journal of Forestry (PJF)

The Pakistan Journal of Forestry a Biannual Journal of Forestry and allied Subjects.

Editorial Board

1. Director General
2. Director Forest Products
3. Director Forest Education
4. Director Biological Science Research Division
5. Senior Research Officer/ DDT
6. Extension Specialist
7. Librarian

Board of Management

1	Inspector General of Forest, Government of Pakistan	Chairman
2	Director General, Pakistan Forest Institute	Member
3	Chief Conservator of Forest, Punjab	Member
4	Chief Conservator of Forest, Sindh	Member
5	Chief Conservator of Forest, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa	Member
6	Chief Conservator of Forest, Balochistan	Member
7	Chief Conservator of Forest, Kashmir	Member
8	Chief Conservator of Forest, Northern Areas	Member
9	Director Punjab Forestry Research Institute, Faisalabad	Member

NOTICE

1. The Pakistan Journal of Forestry is a professional biannual publication.
2. Subscription rates (payable in advance by crossed Postal Order/Crossed Bank Draft/Crossed Cheque, but no MONEY ORDER please). All payments are non-refundable.
3. All correspondence concerning subscription advertisement and other money matters should be addressed to: The Secretary/ Editor Pakistan Journal of Forestry Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar 25130, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Tel. No: 00-92-91-9221369 Fax. No: 00-92-91-9221233 email: pfiesbranch@gmail.com
4. Opinions expressed by contributors in their papers are entirely their own and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or the Government. However, the Editor reserves the right to withhold publication of submitted papers or to make excisions or condense articles before publication.
5. All communications must be authenticated by the name and the address of the writer being communicated to the Editor whether intended for publication or not. Usual conventions of the Journal have been printed on the inside back cover of each issue for the guidance of authors.
6. No payment will be made for articles which are accepted for publication in PJF. Change of address should be communicated promptly.

Click here to search PJF Database.

PFI Newsletter

Pakistan Forest Institute publishes a quarterly newsletter, which is a regular activity covering topics of the current News regarding institute’s activities in Forestry Research, Education, Trainings, Seminars, Workshops, Conferences held during that quarter. Moreover, it covers visits of guests from all over the country. It also publishes the scientific articles on Natural Resource Management and covers the National and International events/days observed in the institute.

Click here to access PFI Newsletters

PFI Field Stations

Present field research stations at:

Shinkiari

Location	Area (ha)	Forest Types
District Mansehra (Siran Forest Division NWFP)	1677	Subtripical Moist Chir & Kail Forests

ACTIVITIES:

• Field training of Forestry students in working plan preparation, surveying (road & buildings practices).
• Studies in opening up of forests, improved road design and construction Logging and transportation studies.
• Quality seed collection for genetic improvement of species.
• Collection and supply of quality seeds of conifer species.
• Studies in Forest protection, Mensuration, Medicinal plants etc.

Ratta Kulachi

Location	Area (ha)	Forest Types
D.I.Khan (D.I.Khan Forest Division NWFP)	4	Tropical Thorn Forest

ACTIVITIES:

• Field training and forestry studies.
• Dry zone afforestation and exotic species.
• Collection of quality seeds for genetic improvement of species.
• Collection and supply of quality seeds.

Kharian

Location	Area (ha)	Forest Types
Jhelum Forest Division, Punjab	100	Subtropical Broad leaved Scrub Forest

ACTIVITIES:

• Field training of forestry students.
• Range land spp. trial.
• Watershed and soil conservation studies.
• Field trails of semi arid indigenous and exotic spp.
• Collection and supply of quality seeds and range land grasses.

Bhurban

Location	Area (ha)	Forest Types
Murree Forest Division, Punjab	2	Moist Temperate Forests

ACTIVITIES:

• Field training of forestry students.
• Field trials of moist temperate species.
• Quality seed collection for tree breeding and provenance trails.
• Medicinal plants studies.
• Collection and supply of quality seeds.

Kalam

Location	Area (ha)	Forest Types
District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa	23 Kanals and 1 Marla	Moist and Dry Temperate Forests

ACTIVITIES:

• Repair & Maintenance of office and residential buildings;
• Integrated research cum demonstration activities in the fields including Silviculture, Medicinal plants, Range Management, Watershed Management, Sericulture, Forest Genetics and Wildlife Management.
• Trainings and capacity building of staff of Forests & Wildlife Department and Community members;
• Field training of forestry students.

Source

PFI Contact