Minister Seethakka addressing ‘Telangana State-level bamboo sub-sector workshop’ in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
The Telangana government will intensify efforts to promote bamboo cultivation as a sustainable alternative to plastic and a source of economic empowerment for women members of self-help groups (SHGs), according to Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Dhanasari Anasuya (Seethakka).
Speaking at the ‘Telangana State-level bamboo sub-sector workshop’, the second day of the two-day workshop, at the Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute (MCRHRDI) on Wednesday, the Minister highlighted the ecological and economic benefits of bamboo.
“Steps must be taken to raise awareness among people about the benefits of bamboo cultivation,” she said, adding that the government provides support through free distribution of seeds and financial assistance for cultivation. She noted that farmers can earn approximately ₹1 lakh per acre through bamboo cultivation.
The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) has partnered with Bengaluru-based Industree Foundation to provide technical and marketing support to at least 75,000 SHG women over the next four years in Telangana.
SERP CEO Divya Devarajan underscored the financial and environmental benefits of bamboo cultivation, urging farmers to adopt it widely.
“Bamboo, a grass plant, has a unique characteristic: the more you cut it, the taller it grows. It is highly resilient and difficult to destroy, making it a sustainable resource,” she explained.
Devarajan further advocated for planting bamboo on at least 20 plots of existing land, suggesting that this could significantly improve a family’s financial stability. She also recommended cultivating bamboo on podu lands, stating that it not only secures the land but also provides long-term financial security for families.
Bamboo, often referred to as “green gold,” offers high returns with minimal labour. A single acre of bamboo cultivation can generate an annual income of up to ₹1 lakh. The plants mature in three to four years and provide sustainable income for up to 40 years without requiring replanting.
The government is offering free seeds, training, and cultivation assistance. Highlighting the potential of bamboo cultivation, a farmer from Adilabad, Anu Bhai, shared that he earns ₹75,000 annually from just 15 guntas of land.
Funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will be utilised to support bamboo cultivation. Technical sessions on cultivation techniques, certification, and market potential were also conducted during the workshop, the speakers noted.
Published – January 08, 2025 08:11 pm IST
