Following the Government’s resolve to increase farmers’ income, the Birsa Agriculture University has embarked on various new methods to train farmers for the production of new crops or increase their produce. Bamboo cultivation, is one of the streams that is said to have potential of increasing the farmers’ income five to 10 times in the State.

Although there are around 136 species of Bamboo that exist in the State, still only some of them are commercially feasible.

BAU Chief Scientist, Department of Forestry, MS Mallik said that the university has started training programme to farmers to cultivate bamboo for commercial purpose as it has a very big gap in its production cost and selling price. It is only due to the fact that the crop has multidimensional use, he added.

“Two district of the State mainly Ranchi and Lohardaga have been chosen for the bamboo plantation. A total of 2000 acres of land are in use for bamboo cultivation in the State. The total cost of one acre of bamboo plantation is Rs 12000 to 15000. It will take three years to get the harvest. In its first year of harvesting it will give five times return of total cost of planting. After three year onwards the yield return will increase income six times –seven times year by year. One sapling of bamboo gives return for 10 to 15 years,” Mallik said.

Giving details about bamboo plantation Mallik said, usually bamboo plantation is done in the rainy season and the number of bamboo plants that can be placed in one acre of land is about 200 to 225. “The gestation period in Bamboo plantation is three years. Hence the inter space can be used during first 3 years for earning some extra income by growing inter crops such as ginger, chillies, turmeric and vegetables,” he added.

Speaking on technicalities of Bamboo plantation Mallik said, Manure and fertilization are important when the seeding is transplanted in the main field.

“As the bamboo plants are heavy feeders, potassium and nitrogen are vital components of the fertilizer due to which the bamboo trees respond and grow well. Also one must apply green manures, organic compost, wood ash. Irrigation must be done regularly while the Bamboos are grown on nursery beds. Immediate water should be provided at the time of transplanting seedlings from nursery to main field. It must be noted that Bamboo trees are sensitive to water logging hence you must drain out the soil especially during heavy rainfall or flooding” he added.

Saying Bamboo plantation is good for the State Mallik said that Bamboo is a cash crop having low gestation period, faster growth and gives economic recurring returns, generation after generation.