Research for sisal (agave sp.) fibre production in India

Sisal (Agave sp) is an important leaf fibre yielding plant grown extensively in Brazil and in African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar etc.). It was introduced in India long ago and grown by tribal people of central plateau zone for fibre and live fence, by quasi-organized planters for fibre and by some state departments mainly for soil conservation purpose. In spite of its huge potential and demand of fibre in the country, adequate effort has not been given based on findings of research on sisal for commercial fibre production from sisal. Although some good amount of research have been conducted on various aspects of this crop in India, but there was no comprehensive documentation of research on sisal fibre production. Therefore, the present paper summarized 60 years of research findings on sisal fibre production in India classified into different chapters such as soil & climatic requirement, sisal types for different geographical areas, propagation technique, planting system, macro-micro nutrient management, water and weed management, intercropping, disease management, harvesting & extraction, fibre quality & grading, uses, economic and social benefits.