Naxalite agitation affects bamboo production in MP

Naxalite activities have caused the bamboo production to decline, though it had improved between 2001 and 2003. Balaghat and Seoni districts, the main bamboo-growing belt, are Naxalite-affected areas.

Bamboo is needed for the pulp and paper industry, construction, cottage industry and handloom, food, fuel, fodder and the medicines.

According to data available with Business Standard, the state produced approximately 1.32 lakh units of bamboo between 2002 and 2003, 1.33 lakh units between 2003 and 2004, 1.08 lakh between 2004 and 2005 and 71,000 units between 2005 and 2006.

The forest department is expecting a minuscule improvement of 1.25 lakh units between 2006 and 2007. The market value of bamboo between 2002 and 2003 stood at Rs 497 crore which is expected to go down to Rs 450 crore between 2006 and 2007.

Revenue collection through industrial and commercial bamboo auction also declined between 2001 and 2003. It slipped from Rs 399.53 lakh to Rs 159.68 lakh between 2002 and 2003 in bamboo auction for commercial purpose and declined from Rs 245.18 lakh to Rs 150.88 lakh for industrial purpose.

"Bamboo flowering and naxalite activities have adversely affected the bamboo production in the state," Principal Chief Forest Conservator Mohammad Hashim told Business Standard adding, "We have limited bamboo cutting due to naxalite activities. But we hope it will improve again."

According to an expert, bamboos fall between the two physiological states of constant flowering. Though all bamboo species do not die after flowering, their growth slows during the flowering period.

Corporate houses like ITC are now encouraging farmers to grow Subabul and a fine variety of Eucalyptus in Jabalpur-Mandla forest range.

There are 42 commercial timber depots, and 22 industrial bamboo depots in the state. Each depot put an approximate quantity on auction and notifies it.

The forest conservator approves the price once in every six months. The prices are fixed on the basis of rates obtained for different varieties, their length and girth.