FRI-Kanpur develops edible bamboo

Forest Research Institute (FRI), Kanpur, has successfully developed a species of bamboo which can be consumed by humans in form of jams, soup and pickles. This species of bamboo was found in parts of Asia excluding India till now, while the institute has gained success in growing this species in loamy soils found in major parts of the country.

FRI research officer, Sanjay Kumar Pathak said till now bamboo was used in making ladders, carpets and other decorative items in the country, while now it had become possible to prepare edible delicacies from the shrub. “We have been involved in the project for past two years and after spending around Rs 8 lakh, we have finally attained success,” he added.

 

The institute has presently prepared around 28,000 saplings for commercial cultivation by the farmers pricing each plant at an affordable Rs 18.50. The biological name of the newly-developed species is ‘Dandrocalamus Aspar’, which is naturally found in regions with temperature ranging from 25 to 30 degree Celsius and humidity levels of 80 per cent.

“We conducted various experiments regarding the climatic conditions for cultivation of this edible species of bamboo in various parts of India ,” said Pathak.