A Handbook of Bamboos : Resources Propagation and Management

Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Bamboo flowering. 3. Bamboo utilization. 4. Bamboo research perspectives in India. 5. Propagation technology of Bamboo. 6. Management of bamboo stand. 7. Post harvesting technology of bamboo. 8. Bamboo preservation. 9. Market and socio-economics of bamboo. References.

Bamboo occurs in greatest abundance and variety in the South and South-East Asian countries. India has the distinction of being the second highest bamboo producing country after China. Beside its diverse uses as fuel, food, fodder, fiber, small timber, paper and pulp, cottage industry and construction, it is ideal species for conserving soil, moisture, and protecting river banks and nallas. these are very fast growing grass species having high carbon sequestration potential. Being poor man\'s timber it is one of the important forest species distributed throughout the country as a source of income for millions of rural people for sustaining their livelihood.

The objective of this book is to provide guidelines for bamboo resources, propagation and management. Efforts were made by many institutions to develop farmers friendly, cost effective, easy propagation technologies of bamboos. Keeping in view the non availability of seeds for growing planting stock, the main emphasis is given to popularize farmer\'s friendly propagation technologies of bamboo developed by Forest Research Institute Dehradun for promoting bamboo plantations in the country which will help in employment and income generation for rural masses. (jacket)