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Dendrocalamus stocksii - a multi use bamboo species for peninsular India.
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Dendrocalamus stocksii - a multi use bamboo species for peninsular India.

Bamboo Utilization and Diversity in India

Overview of Bamboo in India

  • Bamboo has been used for generations across various communities worldwide, with India being the second richest country in bamboo genetic resources after China.
  • India boasts a rich diversity of bamboo, comprising about 23 genera and 136 species, often referred to as "the poor man's timber" due to its strength, lightness, and versatility.

Research Initiatives on Bamboo

  • The Bamboo Technical Support Group (BTSG) under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education is conducting systematic research on bamboo with support from the National Bamboo Mission.
  • One significant species studied is Dendrocalamus toxii, commonly found in coastal Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Characteristics of Dendrocalamus Toxii

  • This species is endemic to the Central Western Ghats and has local names such as Shivari Mess (Maharashtra), Konda Ursime Marihal Bidro (Karnataka), and Manga (Goa).
  • Dendrocalamus toxii thrives in humid tropical conditions but shows adaptability to subhumid and semi-arid climates; it is primarily cultivated in home gardens.

Economic Importance of Dendrocalamus Toxii

  • Recognized for its economic potential, this non-thorny species is favored by growers for easy management and diverse applications including handicrafts and agricultural implements.
  • It serves as an alternative to cane or rattan in furniture making due to its solid structure.

Propagation Techniques

  • The Institute of Wood Science and Technology has standardized propagation protocols for Dendrocalamus toxii over the past decade.
  • Macropropagation techniques are crucial since seed setting is minimal; offsets are typically planted at depths covering two to three nodes for optimal growth.

Dendrocalamus Toxie Cultivation Techniques

Importance of Dormant Buds and Cutting Preparation

  • The collection of cuttings should occur in the morning, focusing on dormant buds which are crucial for new shoot development.
  • Cuttings are treated with 2500 ppm IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) either in powder or solution form as a pulse treatment before being laid horizontally in sand beds.

Rooting Process and Plant Development

  • Cuttings are placed in 1x5 meter sand beds, covered with a 2 cm layer of sand, and regularly watered; they sprout within 10-15 days and root fully in 45 to 60 days depending on temperature.
  • Single node cuttings should be about 1.5 to 2 cm long; after removing the sheath from nodal segments, they can be inoculated into culture medium for further growth.

Multi-Locational Trials and Growth Performance

  • Multi-locational field trials have been conducted across various agroclimatic zones in Peninsular India, monitoring growth over five years.
  • Approximately 30% of tested genotypes exhibit solidness exceeding 50%, indicating potential industrial importance due to their diameter greater than 40 mm.

Adaptability and Commercial Viability

  • Dendrocalamus Toxie shows good performance under tropical humid, subhumid, and managed semi-arid conditions—over 60% of agricultural lands fall under these semi-arid conditions.
  • This species is suitable for integration into existing farming practices or as boundary plantations due to its erect nature and fewer side branches.

Cultivation Practices for Optimal Yield

  • Recommended spacing is typically four by four meters with a pit size of 60 cubic centimeters; irrigation during the post-monsoon period aids early clump establishment.
  • Harvesting bamboo culms begins at four years old; however, immature culms should not be harvested until they reach at least two years maturity.

Economic Potential and Market Demand

  • Retaining at least 50% matured columns supports fresh young shoots' emergence; felling is best done between November to May to avoid disrupting growth phases.
  • Dendrocalamus Toxie has significant commercial potential in furniture production, contributing positively to rural economies like Ovi village near Southward.

Revenue Expectations from Bamboo Cultivation

  • Expected revenue from bamboo cultivation can reach ₹2.2 lakhs by the fifth year and around ₹4.5 lakhs annually from the sixth year onward after accounting for mortality rates.
  • Harvested columns can be trimmed into poles sold at ₹80 to ₹100 each; there’s a growing market demand within the bamboo-based furniture industry.

Innovations in Furniture Design Using Dendrocalamus Toxie

  • Innovative designs have emerged from organizations like Konkan Bamboo & Cane Center that utilize Dendrocalamus Toxie effectively for household furniture production.

Bamboo: A New Economic Opportunity in India?

The Potential of Bamboo as an Export Item

  • Bamboo, once regarded as "the poor man's timber" in India, is now being considered by the Indian government as a significant export item for a global market valued at ₹500 billion.
  • Cultivating bamboo species such as Dendrocalamus toxin can create new income generation opportunities and enhance livelihoods and employment prospects.
  • The promotion of bamboo cultivation may serve as a complementary action towards environmental conservation efforts.
Video description

This video has been prepared by the BTSG-ICFRE with fund support from National Bamboo Mission Govt. of India. The video is based on a script prepared by Dr. Syam Viswanath who was working at that time in IWST Bangalore, based on some ongoing research works on D.stocksii during 2010 to 15 and it is directed by Sri. A S Adappa, a well known documentary film maker based in Bangalore. The video is of 20 minutes duration with sub titles in English . Kannada and Marathi versions have also been made. The video comprises the following sections and carries the message " Conserve-Cultivate and Consume bamboo". Historical and current uses by local population Taxonomy and natural distribution; Multiple uses Growing it as plantation crop/commercial crop Value addition and product development Macro and micro propagation, Nursery and production of planting stock Cultivation aspects Case studies of successful farmers and farmers cooperatives; income generation and livelihood alternative.