large-scale sale of ‘bamboo buds’ in vegetable markets has adversely affected the Government plans to increase the area of cultivation under bamboo in the district.
The proposed paper manufacturing unit to be established in Bijapur district has also been held up probably due to lack of interest shown by the authorities.The apathy on the part of the Forest Department to check cutting of bamboo buds and sale in markets is weakening the prospects of high bamboo cultivation in Bastar division.
According to available records with the Forest Department, the present area of cultivation of bamboo in four divisions of Bastar circle is about 60,000 hectares. But for past some time, there has been significant increase in sale of bamboo buds in markets as vegetable and damage of bamboo set afire by villagers to corner animals for hunting.
In addition to this, the villagers have shown disinterest in providing bamboo in depots established in villages. The reason for this is delay in harvesting and the threat posed by insurgents in Bastar.
The villagers use soft bamboo for preparation of basket, mats, and other household items. Due to multiple use of bamboo, its demand has gone up. This has relatively increased the price of bamboo and items prepared by it.According to the trend available from local markets, the bamboo stick which was available for Rs 2 is now sold for Rs 100 due to increase in demand. Many a bamboo houses could not be completed due to shortage of bamboo in the market.
With arrival of monsoon, the bamboo starts budding and the tribal women sell the buds at the rate of Rs 10-20. The bamboo buds are good in taste and there is a great demand in rural as well as urban areas.The officers of Forest Department have issued instructions for ban on sale of bamboo buds but no proper action has been taken.