Abstract

Information is an essential input for research and effective implementation of research results. It is also vital for framing natural resource policies. A Bamboo Information Centre (BIC) has been set up at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) with IDRC funding for disseminating information on bamboo. The main functions of the BIC will be (a) to develop and manage an integrated database comprising Indian bamboo literature, specialists and current research programmes(b) to provide search services from the database backed with a document delivery service(c) to publish a half-yearly bulletin containing abstracts and research news(d) to prepare a compendium on bamboos describing the 137 species found in India(e) to popularise research results by producing extension bulletins and slide setsand (f) to publish a directory of bamboo scientists and current research programmes