The College of Forestry has a fairly long history and has the distinction of being the first in starting B.Sc. Forestry degree programme in Maharashtra state. To cater the need of future research based forestry development and demand of specialized technical personnel of this region, four year forestry degree programme has been started in this University from 1985-86 with the assistance of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. The B.Sc. Forestry degree programme was started in 14 State Agricultural Universities in the country.
The objective of the forestry degree programme is to cater need of future research based demands of especially technical personnel. The Executive Council of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola vide its resolution No. EC/113/ 89, dated 12.10.1989 have taken decision to establish Faculty of Forestry and Environment in this University as it was recommended by Statutes (EC/97/90, dt. 3.10.90) for this University. It is an apt decision since more than 50 per cent of the forest area of the state falls in the Vidarbha region.
B.Sc (Forestry) degree programme was started in Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola by establishing the Department of Forestry under the faculty of Agriculture in the year 1985-86 with the assistance of Indian Council of Agriculture Research, New Delhi with an intake capacity of 20 students per year.
Under USAID programme five faculty members of Department of Forestry, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola from Agriculture discipline were trained to teach various courses in forestry. In addition to this, services of retired Conservator of Forest were utilized to teach the specialized forestry courses.
The year 1990 happened to be very significant in the history of the College because during this year first batch of students received the degree of forestry.
Independent College of Forestry came into existence as a products of foresight and vision of the then Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr.P.D.K.V, Akola on 26th January, 2001
The College is located at Head quarter of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth at Akola. The College is one of the important institutes of the State imparting Education, conducting Research and Extension activities in the forestry and also plays an important role in human recourse development in forestry sector.
