In order to have an adequate research back up for development of forestry sector in the northeastern region of the country, the Institute came into existence in April 1988. Its origin dates back to 1976 when a Regional Centre of Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, was established at Burnihat (Assam) to extend knowledge on forestry related issues through research, education and extension in general and to support forestry research in northeastern states. The Centre advanced steadily in terms of infrastructure and established itself as a nucleus for research on forestry and ecology related issues of the region. It was upgraded as Institute of Rain and Moist Deciduous Forest Research (IRMDER) now known as the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI). The Institute has evolved into one of repute, delivering yeoman service in the field of forestry resources and technology extension to all NE states including Sikkim. The multidisciplinary scientific manpower of the Institute delivers need based technological achievements in forests science leading towards conservation, protection, restoration and management of forest resources. The tested technologies, developed under different research projects, are transferred to the stakeholders through its Regional Capacity Building Programmes under Demo Village and Van Vigyan Kendras (VVKs) in the states. The headquarters of the Institute is located at Jorhat in Assam, while its Centres are located at Aizawl and Agartala 
 

Mandate:

1.   To undertake and promote forestry research, education and extension, leading to scientific and sustainable management of forest resources.

2.   To provide scientific advice to the central and state governments aiding informed decision making in matters of national and regional importance and  international commitments and to address forestry research needs.

3.   To carry out research and extension in forestry with focus on development of forest management and silvicultural techniques to maximize productivity of  natural and planted forests under different ecological considerations and changing environment, with focus on north-eastern region.

4.   To provide technical assistance and material support to states, forest dependent communities, forest based industries, tree & NTFP growers and other stakeholders in their forestry based programmes for conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.

5.   To carry out research for increasing productivity and   evolving new varieties for farmlands/plantations through breeding, biotechnological interventions and silvicultural & forest management applications in northeastern region.

6.   To conduct focused research on biodiversity assessment, documentation, conservation and sustainable utilization of forest resources for livelihoods and development of site specific conservation strategies, including climate change mitigation and adaptation issues in north-eastern region.

7.  To undertake research on conservation and sustainable use of Bamboo and cane resources in north-eastern region by enhancing productivity and innovative resource use.

8.  To undertake research on mitigation and adaptation strategies in forestry sector to meet the challenges of climate change in northeastern region.

9.   To undertake research and knowledge management on various aspects of forests, viz., forest soils, invasive species, forest fires, insect pests and diseases, forest  hydrology, forest valuation, traditional ecological knowledge, forest products, etc.

10.  To develop, upscale, disseminate and share appropriate technologies to end-users through innovative extension strategies and capacity building programmes.

11.  To undertake all such activities as necessary, incidental and conducive to attainment of the objectives of the Council.

 

Core Research Areas:

1- Managing Shifting Cultivation

2- Development of Models for Cultivation of medicinal & aromatic plants & Bamboos and Rattans on farm lands

3- Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization

4- Development of Agroforestry/Social Forestry Models

5- Impact Study of Shifting Cultivation

6- Tissue Culture of Important Species

7- Soil and Water Conservation

8- Extension of tested technologies and Impact Assessment

9- Information on Economics and Market Studies

10- Value Addition to NTFPs

11- Natural Regeneration of Important Species

12- Management of Natural Forests

13- Bio-diesel – development of alternative fuel species

14- Nursery Techniques of Important Species

15- Carbon Credit