Bamboo – Conservation, Cultivation and Utilization

Not AvailableIndia has one of the richest bamboo resources in the World, second only to China. The annual bamboo production in the country is estimated at 3.23 million tons. According to Forest Survey of India (FSI), in India bamboo grows in 8.96 million hectares of forest area, which constitutes about 12.8% of total forest area of the country. Of this, nearly 28% occur in the North Eastern States, followed by 20.3% in Madhya Pradesh, 9.90% in Maharashtra, 8.7% in Orissa, 7.4% in Andhra Pradesh, 5.5% in Karnataka and the balance is spread over in other states. Among the major economic forest products, Bamboo occupies the prime slot. In Andhra Pradesh Bamboo occurs over an area of 9,882 sq. km with a potential yield of 70,000 metric tons annually. Bamboo is a versatile plantation species and its afforestation is ecologically sound and economically viable. It is also adopted by farmers as agro forestry species, planted along field bunds and in concentrated blocks. It has great demand both in domestic and industrial sectors. Besides meeting the basic necessities of life i.e. food, shelter and clothing, it is also used in making baskets, fencing mats (thatties), toys, house hold articles and raw material in paper and pulpwood industries. Thus it provides livelihood to millions of people. Bamboo is everything to some and something to all. Species Wise Composition: Two important species of Bamboo occurring in the State of Andhra Pradesh are: Dendrocalamus strictus (Sadanam or solid bamboo) and Bambusa bambos (Mullem or hollow bamboo). Besides the above species, Dendocalmus hamiltonii (locally called as Jadi Veduru) is present in small patches in East Godavari, West Godavari, Khammamand Visakhapatnam districts. No other species of Bamboo is reported in the state. Spread of Bamboo on private lands or homestead gardens is sporadic as it is not a widely preferred species by farmers.Not Availabl