A Ranchi-based private university on Thursday inked a pact with the Institute of Forest Productivity (IFP) to promote academic and research collaboration in the area of forestry science.

According to a spokesperson of Amity University Jharkhand (AUJ), the objective of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is to develop, upscale, and disseminate cutting-edge technologies to the public through innovative extension strategies and capacity-building programmes.

IFP is a research institute based in Ranchi and functions under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and environmental benefits. Forestry science has elements that belong to the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences. Forestry is practised in plantations and natural stands.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Amity University Jharkhand registrar Prabhakar Tripathi and ICFRE-IFP director Yogeshwar Mishra.

“The initiative would open new unexplored avenues of opportunity for Amity University Jharkhand students and ICFRE-IFP for collaborative education programmes, capacity building and joint research projects which will promote scientific and sustainable management of forest resources,” said the AUJ spokesperson.

“The MoU will enhance the exchange of students for academic, research and training purposes. It focuses on improving value-based interventions to increase access, and to successfully implement national forest and environment programmes, reducing inequity and improving quality of environment,” added the spokesperson.

The pact will allow both students and forest officials to work on herbal plants, genetics of plants, and forest management in favour of Jharkhand.

IFP’s mandate is to undertake and promote forestry research, education and extension, leading to scientific and sustainable management of forest resources. It also provides scientific advice to the Centre and state governments aiding informed decision-making in matters of national and regional importance and international commitments.