Field & Focus

Ecosystem resilience begins at the genetic level. My core research evaluates the genetic variability of critical agroforestry species, specifically Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Madhuca longifolia (Mahua). By conducting extensive eastern India surveys, identifying hundreds of Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs), and utilizing advanced statistical modelling (Cluster, EFA, CRITIC), I developed high-quality planting materials and established multi-locational progeny trials to ensure optimal growth, biochemical yield, and climate adaptability.

Effective conservation requires anticipating future climates. I leverage advanced species distribution modeling and spatial analytics to map current and future habitat suitability, utilizing platforms like RS-GIS, MaxEnt, R, and Google Earth Engine. By projecting climate refugia and tracking habitat expansion under various RCPs abd SSPs, this data directly guides strategic landscape restoration and ensures that planting interventions are climate-resilient and data-driven.

With global mangrove covers facing severe threats from climate change and sea-level rise, I have been instrumental in a pioneering initiative at ICFRE-IFP - the first successful ex-situ conservation of mangrove species under non-tidal conditions in eastern India. We have successfully cultivated critical mangrove species inland, documenting vital adaptation milestones such as the development of pneumatophores and complete flowering-fruiting cycles far beyond the coast.

True environmental security requires scaling up from the nursery to the landscape. Supported by the CAMPA fund under the MoEFCC, Government of India, I have coordinated with multidisciplinary teams, state forest departments, and local communities to develop conservation protocols for roughly 100 Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) forest genetic resources. This participatory approach ensures that NbS deliver both biodiversity protection and sustainable rural livelihoods