‘Bamboo cultivation is a promising avenue’

Hyderabad: Bamboo is part of rural livelihood in many countries, especially in developing countries like India. Its multiple uses has given it the tag of ‘poor man’s timber’. As part of the National Bamboo Mission in 2007, Telangana government is also educating the farmers regarding bamboo cultivation pointing out that it would not only benefit […]

Hyderabad: Bamboo is part of rural livelihood in many countries, especially in developing countries like India. Its multiple uses has given it the tag of ‘poor man’s timber’. As part of the National Bamboo Mission in 2007, Telangana government is also educating the farmers regarding bamboo cultivation pointing out that it would not only benefit farmers but also help conserve the environment.

In an interaction with Telangana Today, C Achlendra Reddy, Director, Centre for Innovation in Public System, shares how bamboo cultivation is a promising avenue for the farmers in Telangana.

Can bamboo be grown in Telangana?

Certain species of bamboo have always been growing in some parts of Telangana. Earlier, the farmers faced difficulties in cultivating bamboo on a large scale due to the dry weather conditions of the State. But through various missions initiated by the State government, and abundance of rain, there has been a change in the condition and it is right time to go for the crop.

Which species of bamboo are grown in Telangana?

Naturally there are two species, which grow in the wild here – Dendrocalamus Strictus and Bambusa Arundinacea. However, under the National Bamboo Mission, Telangana government has planted four species at the Bamboo Demonstration Farm at Mudgal in Adilabad District, to check how the crop performs here. These four species — Dendrocalamus Latiflorus, Bambusa Balcoa (medium growth), Dendrocalamus Brandisii (slow growth) and Bambusa Tulda (fast growth) — have been doing very well, under irrigated conditions.

How is bamboo farming beneficial for the farmers?

Bamboo has the potential to add value to the business of small and marginal farmers – who constituted about 80 per cent of the farmer’s in the State. It is a fast growing crop, which can be harvested in just four years. Its multiple uses as well as rapid regeneration make it the ideal agricultural choice. The crop can withstand drought as well as flood as its roots are rhizomes and help retain water in the soil. Additionally, the bamboo leaves serve as a good organic manure. So, a farmer doesn’t have to care for this plant as much as they do for the other crop.

With the advent of technology, bamboo can now be used in making several products. Right from constructing a house (flooring, roofing designing, and scaffolding), making furniture, fabrics, cloth, paper, pulp, charcoal to being used as biofuel, bamboo has a versatile nature. While the normal bamboo’s life is not as long as that of teak wood or sal wood which are the favoured choices to make furniture, door, window, etc. There are several technologies to treat the bamboo to last as long as these woods.

How is the demand for Bamboo?

Currently there is much demand for this crop in our country itself. In fact, there is a shortage of bamboo in India by at least 8 to 10 million tonnes. Also, Telangana itself has been exporting bamboo from various States. Internationally too, people are buying bamboo products. Thus, foraying into bamboo cultivation will help the farmers financially.

Looking forward…

Since a few species are doing well in the State, I feel it is time to bring more types of bamboo in Telangana. The officials can educate the farmers and establish more farms like the Mudgal farm, to demonstrate how these crops grow. Another aspect that we need to focus on is to train officers from the forest department, agriculture department and horticulture department. These experts can then help the farmers make an informed choice about the crop, right from how much time it will take to harvest, to marketing it, its uses and treatment process.