Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.): Recent technologies for commercialization of its cultivation in North east

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) is being recognized for its strongest textile natural, bast fibre, which is obtained from skin of the plant Boehmeria sp. mainly grown in temperate and tropical areas. In India Ramie is a traditional fibre crop of northeastern states Ramie is a term appearing with increased frequency in the labeling of sweaters and some linen-look textiles. It is also known as Chinese grass. In addition to its high value fibre it has several other uses in paper, bio-compost, green fodder, medicinal, geotextiles and bio-composites. Recently due the promotion of several research and developmental activities viz., TRS technology, new planting material (plantlets), new planting technique, new improved variety, modified degumming technology, winter tolerance off-season ramie cultivation technology, herbicide tolerance, etc., the cost of ramie cultivation has been reduced by >50% and the potentiality of ramie is being realized by farmers and industrialist.