Bamboo sustains large rural populations in india, and state forest department coffers
According to the 2003 Forest Survey of India report, area under bamboo is 8.96 million hectares, or about 12.8 per cent of total forest area
India has the world's largest bamboo forest, with 136 species, including 11 exotic ones. 58 species flourish in the north-eastern region alone
10 million people depend on bamboo as a livelihood source
Commercially important species of bamboo usually mature in three years. After this, multiple harvests are possible every second year for up to 120 years in some species, and infinitely in others
The bamboo mission programme will enable about 5.01 million families of artisans and farmers to cross the poverty line . According to estimates, investment in bamboo production enhancement would yield a five-fold return within 5-8 years
The current demand of bamboo for various purposes is estimated at 26.69 million tonnes as against supply of 13.47 million tonnes
Gregarious flowering will affect 30,000 square kilometres of bamboo forests during 2004-07. It will affect 18,000 sq km under 'muli' bamboo (Melocanna baccifera) in north-eastern states, with the epicentre in Mizoram. Standing bamboo will die after flowering. If harvested, it could turn the economy of the region around.
|
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.