This paper details work being carried out at the Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat (Assam) on genetic conservation and improvement of economically important bamboo species.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the largest archipelago system consisting of over 200 islands, over 300 inlets and constitute one of the hotspot of biodiversity. 3,552 plant species are known from these islands. As regards bamboos not much work has been done because most of the areas are unexplored.

Out of the 1,500 bamboo species occurring worldwide, India has around 130 bamboo species belonging to 23 genera, in which more than 50% of the Indian bamboo resource is confined to North East. As many as 78 bamboo species (both indigenous and exotic) belonging to 19 genera have been reported from this region. Bamboo plays an important role in the socio-economy of tribal populace of the region.

Bamboo is an important natural resource in the socio-economic, cultural, ecological and functional context with 1500 well documented uses. Having high strength, elasticity and wear resisting characteristics, it grows rapidly and matures in a short period (3-5 years) with high yield, easy to manage, strong in regeneration, lasts for long time and sprouts new shoots after yearly harvests.