| College of Forestry VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri, District- Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India | INDIA
Prof. Arvind Bijalwan is an accomplished forester, academician, and researcher specializing in Forestry, Agroforestry, Silviculture, Remote Sensing and GIS, and Natural Resource Management. He holds a B.Sc. in Forestry, an M.Sc. in Forestry with specialization in Agroforestry, and a Ph.D. in Forestry. He secured All India Rank 3 in the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) in both Forestry and Environmental Sciences.
With over 22 years of experience in teaching, research, extension, and consultancy, he currently serves as Professor of Forestry (Agroforestry) at the College of Forestry, Ranichauri, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry (VCSG UUHF), Uttarakhand, India. He also holds key administrative responsibilities as Director Academics, Associate Director Extension, and Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). His previous leadership positions include Dean of the College of Forestry, Dean of the College of Hill Agriculture, Dean of the College of Horticulture, and Joint Director Extension.
Earlier in his career, he served as Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and at the College of Forestry and Environment, Allahabad Agricultural Institute.
Research Expertise & Scientific Contributions
Prof. Bijalwan's research focuses on agroforestry systems, forest management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource utilization, biomass assessment, and carbon estimation. His work integrates agroforestry productivity, agrobiodiversity, ecosystem services, climate change mitigation, and livelihood improvement, particularly in tropical, subtropical, and Himalayan ecosystems.
He has investigated plantation survival, growth patterns, microclimatic influences on plant development, and the performance of diverse agroforestry systems, including agri-silviculture, agri-horticulture, and agri-horti-silvi systems. His research also encompasses the assessment of farm forestry practices and the potential of integrated land-use systems to improve ecological sustainability and rural livelihoods.
Research Publications & Academic Output
Prof. Bijalwan has established a substantial scholarly record, comprising approximately 92 research papers, 68 scientific articles, and three books in Forestry, Agroforestry, Biodiversity, and Natural Resource Management. His publications contribute to scientific understanding of sustainable land-use practices, forest resources, carbon management, and climate-resilient agroforestry.
He has also served on the editorial boards of several national and international journals and maintains active involvement in scientific and professional societies. His academic contributions reflect a sustained commitment to research dissemination and the advancement of forestry sciences.
Research Projects & Funding
Prof. Bijalwan has served as Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator for several research, extension, and development initiatives. A major highlight of his career is his leadership of a ₹12.18 crore project implemented by MPVS to promote employment generation through the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants among communities in the Western Himalayan region of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
His project experience demonstrates the practical application of forestry and agroforestry research to rural development, sustainable resource management, livelihood enhancement, and the promotion of economically valuable plant species.
Research Supervision & Academic Mentorship
Prof. Bijalwan has made significant contributions to higher education and the development of future researchers. He has supervised eight doctoral scholars and 23 Master's and M.Phil. students, supporting advanced research in forestry, agroforestry, biodiversity, and natural resource management.
Through his teaching, research guidance, and academic leadership, he has contributed to strengthening research capacity and developing skilled professionals in forestry and environmental sciences.
Professional Leadership & Institutional Development
In addition to his research achievements, Prof. Bijalwan has played an important role in academic administration, extension education, institutional quality assurance, and curriculum-related activities. His experience across multiple leadership positions demonstrates his ability to integrate teaching, research, extension services, and institutional development.
His professional engagement with scientific societies and editorial boards further reflects his commitment to collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of sustainable forestry practices.
Eligibility for Best Researcher Award
Prof. Arvind Bijalwan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels in recognition of his sustained contributions to forestry research, agroforestry development, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management. His more than 22 years of professional experience, approximately 92 research papers, 68 scientific articles, three books, and supervision of eight doctoral scholars demonstrate his commitment to scientific advancement and academic mentorship.
His leadership of a ₹12.18 crore livelihood-development project, expertise in biomass and carbon assessment, and research on climate-resilient agroforestry systems highlight the practical significance of his work for environmental sustainability and rural communities. His extensive academic leadership and experience in research, teaching, and extension further strengthen his professional profile.
Overall, Prof. Arvind Bijalwan merits consideration for the Scientific Laurels Best Researcher Award for his research contributions, project leadership, scholarly publications, and efforts to advance sustainable forestry, agroforestry innovation, and climate-resilient natural resource management.