Orchid Research Centre, Tipi has about 316 native species and about 50 exotic species and hybrids of orchids under cultivation as a part of ex situ conservation at Tipi, and its sub centres Sessa and Dirang in W.Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. In the present project it is proposed to enrich the existing germplasm further by adding about 50 more wild species and about 25 hybrids from Arunachal Pradesh and other states of North East India and conducting collection tours and exchange process with an aim to create awareness among the wider group of people regarding the importance of Orchid conservation and their sustainable utility for research, medicine and income generation activities
 

1. Enriching of existing germplasm of orchids at Tipi, Sessa and Dirang with more number of species, which are not under cultivation. These additional orchids (about 50 species and 25 hybrids will be collected from Arunachal Pradesh and other states of N.E. India, including Sikkim and introduced at Tipi or Sessa or Dirang depending upon the species climatic requirements. Ex situ conservation work will be focused on the 50 wild species of orchids of N E India.
   
   Justification: This would help to create awareness among wider group of people (who presently do not link themselves to conservation) for appreciation of orchid conservation; to help Scientists as a resource centre and for general masses it will be an opportunity to learn about orchid species of East Himalayas regarding their medicinal and commercial value, and hybrids as a means of income generation.
    
2. Installation of an Electric Fencing around the Orchid research Centre, as a safeguard measure to protect the orchid germplasm present at Tipi Botanic garden from wild elephants.
   
   Justification: Due to excessive forest cover clearance at Nameri (Assam) Area by Bodo tribe during the past 2 years, wild elephants of this area have diverted their habitation ground and migratory track to nearby forested area, which is Tipi- Bhalukpong of Arunachal Pradesh. As there is no safeguard like electric fencing around the Orchid Centre, wild elephants are causing damage to the Orchid houses and to the trees on which various epiphytic orchids are introduced.
    
3. Production of resource material of rare and ornamental orchids through vegetative propagation like splitting, keikies, top cuttings and back bulbs.
   
   Justification: The orchids developed through above mentioned vegetative means will be utilized for awareness, extension and exchange programmes.