Contents: 1 Introduction 2 Origin and history 3 Climate and soil required for cultivation Climate Soil 4 Distribution of species 5 Phylogenetic relationship 6 Description of the plant 7 Physiological studies of ramie 7 Genetic improvement Improved varieties Varietal requirement 8 Conservation of ramie plant genetic resources 9 Planting material 10 Pre planting operations 11 Nutrient requirement 12 Planting 13 Post planting management and harvesting 14 Extraction and decortications 15 Replanting 16 Pests and diseases 17 Fibre yield 18 Properties of ramie fibre Physical properties Chemical properties Instruments for ramie fibre grading Processing of fibre Raw fibre spinning Degummed fibre spinning 19 Use of ramie fibre Ramie fibre in the fashion world Other uses of ramie 20 Production of ramie 21 Economics of ramie cultivation 22 Prospect of ramie in North East India 23 Conclusion 24 Reference Subject Index Authors Index