Cane and Bamboo

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ASSAM

Location

The state of Assam being located about 79.5m above sea level, is surrounded on three sides by the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya & Tripura. Moreover, the state shares international borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan . The state is connected to the main land of the country through a 22 Km wide strip of land popularly known as “Chicken Neck”. The chicken neck runs for 56 Kms. below foothills of Bhutan and Sikkim . Situating in the heart of the north east corner of Indian subcontinent Assam is located in between 24°10¢ N to 27°58¢ N latitude and between 89°49¢E to 97°26¢ E longitude.

Assam is divided into three important physical regions. Firstly, the Brahmaputra Valley whose length and breadth are 725 Km and 80 to 100 Km respectively and is named after the river Brahmaputra . Running through a narrow passage at the Meghalaya plateau and sub-Himalayan Arunachal – Bhutan Hills, the valley finally opens into the North Bengal plains.

The second natural division of Assam is the Barak or Surma Valley which is surrounded by North Cachar, Manipur, Mizoram Hills and Plains of Tripura and Bangladesh . The valley is named after the river Barak that flows through the valley and adopting the name of Meghna, the river finally empties itself to the bed of the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh where it is known as the Padma. This valley has hills and Beels or lakes in plenty.

The two valleys are separated by the range of hills. The Karbi hills and North Cachar Hills are located in the south of the Brahmaputra valley. Karbi Hills are part of the Meghalaya plateau. These hills are dotted with plain areas. Greenary is the hallmark of these hills, slowly reaching their full height towards the middle of the North Cachar district and Merges with the Barail range which is the highest in Assam . The elevation of the Barail range varies from 1000 to 1200 metres above sea level. These hills are full of wildlife and dense forest including green gold bamboo, medicinal & aromatic plants and home to many horticultural produce.

Climate:

The climatic condition of Assam differs from the rest of the country. It is humid, tropical type in the plains and sub-alpine in the hills with heavy rainfall and green vegetation all the year round. The average temperature in summer and winter are 29°C and 16°C respectively. The winter season extends from the month of October to February and rains dominate the rest of the year. Fair weather coupled with fall in temperature follow the withdrawal of monsoon.

Rainfall:

Rainfall in Assam is one of the highest in the world. It varies between 178cm and 305 cm and concentrated mainly in four months June to September

Area : 78438 Sq.Km.

Principal Languages : Assamese, Bengali, Boro, Nepali,

Manipuri.

Population : 2,66,38,407 (As on 2001)

Peracentage of decadal growth of population : 18.85

(1990 – 2001)

Male : 1,37,87,799

Female : 1,28,50,608

Rural : 2,32,48,994

Male : 1,19,83,157

Female : 1,12,65,837

Urban : 33,89,413

Male : 18,04,642

Female : 15,84,771

% of urban population : 12.72%

Child between six years : 43 ,50,248 (As on 2001)

Male : 22,15,104

Female : 21,35,144

Literacy rate : 64.28%

Women literate : 60,03,463 (56.03)

Male literate : 83,24,077 (71.93%)

Infrastructure:

Roads : 89486 Km (As per Annual Report of Union M/o surface transport as on 31-3-03 )

Railway route length : 2516.12 Km (including 1227.71 Km Broad gauge and 1288.55 Km as on 31.3.02).

Railway route density per thousand Sq.Km : 32.08 Km

In 2004

No. of Airports : 5 Nos. (Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Jorhat, Silchar and Lilabari

Per capita consumption of Electricity in 2002-03 : 159.97 Kwh. (As against national average of 516.69 Kwh)

Social Infrastructure:

No. of Towns (as per 2001 Census) : 125

No. of Districts : 27

No. of Government Hospitals : 161

No. of Post Office : 4008

No. of Bank branches (As on 31-3-05 ): 1256

Amount of Deposit (in Crores) : Rs.18311.10 Crores

(As on 31-3-05 )

Credit Deposit Ratio (As on 31-3-05 ) : 35.55

Major Industries/Crops/Minerals : Industries exploration and refining of petroleum, Coal, Saw Plywood & Veneer Mills, Lime, Paper, Handloom & Handicrafts (Bamboo & Cane), Sericulture, Brass & Bell metal. Crops: Tea, Rice, Jute, Cotton, Oil seeds, Sugarcane.

Total number or family below Poverty Line n(District & Sub-division-wise) :

District Sub-Division No. of Family

Dhubri Dhubri 48278

Hatsingimari 29710

Bilasipara 35460

Kokrajhar Kokrajhar 41780

Gossaigaon 27437

Bongaigaon Bongaigaon 20342

Bijni 26700

North Salmara 24058

Goalpara Goalpara 56870

Barpeta Barpeta 88170

Baghmara char GPSS 2250

Bajali 27892

Nalbari Nalbari 90061

Kamrup (M) Kamrup 24596

Kamrup (R) Kamrup 92656

Rangia 37860

Darang Mangaldoi 69720

Udalguri 41894

Sonitpur Tezpur 74250

Biswanath Chariali 22254

Gohpur 24322

Lakhimpur North – Lakhimpur 51525

Dhakuakhana 14880

Dhemaji Dhemaji 31414

Jonai 10810

Tinsukia Tinsukia 49295

Margherita 20800

Sadiya 10100

Dibrugarh Dibrugarh 79740

Sivasagar Sivasagar 35525

Charaideo 30530

Nazira 12980

Jorhat Jorhat 40438

Titabar 22254

Majuli 13480

Golaghat Golaghat 42199

Dhansiri 15040

Bokakhat 13196

Nagaon Nagaon 91843

Hojai 50204

Kaliabar 22920

Marigaon Marigaon 53707

Cachar Silchar 88440

Lakhipur 18190

Hailakandi Hailakandi 40350

Karimganj Karimganj 56076

Karbi Anglong Diphu 25140

Hamren 16600

Bokajan 9768

N.C. Hills Haflong 10705

Maibong 7566

_________

Total: 18,92,616 Nos.of family

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Total Holding Pattern –

(i) Whether Forest Land owned by individual : 3560 Sq.Km of Forest land

under encroachment

(ii) By the Government :

Total No. of major : 1.Brahmaputra 2. Barak

river & their Tributaries Kms. Tributaries Kms.

tributaries

(a) Buhridihing - 360 (a) Sonai NA

(b) Dichang - 230 (b) Dhaleswari NA

(c) Dikhow - 200 (c) Langai NA

(d) Janji - 108 (d) Jiri NA

(e) Dhansiri (South) 352 (e) Chiri NA

(f) Puthimari - 190 (f) Jhatinga NA

(g) Pagladia NA

(h) Nanoi - 97

(i) Dhansiri (North) 94

(j) Dikrong - 134

(k) Ranganadi - 102

(l) Sowansiri - 318

(m) Dihang - 263

(n) Lohit - 192

(o) Jia Bharalu - NA

(p) Kalong - 171

(q) Kapili - 297

(r) Kulasi - 122

(s) Jinjiram - 143

(t) Krishnai - 81

(u) Gangadhar - 99

(v) Aai - 103

(w) Manas - 353

Total Nos. of National High Ways : No. of National Length

Highway Km

NH – 31 308.788

NH – 31 (b) 19.400

NH – 31 (c) 92.200

NH – 36 161.833

NH – 37 685.839

NH – 37 (a) 23.104

NH – 38 56.000

NH – 39 106.780

NH – 44 150.000

NH – 51 21.853

NH – 52 540.764

NH – 52 (a) 9.106

NH – 52 (b) 32.000

NH – 53 73.554

NH – 54 40.300

NH – 54(e) 277.337

NH – 61 17.510

NH – 62 8.600

NH – 151 14.000

NH – 152 38.000

NH – 153 24.000

NH – 154 89.000

Road length (PWD ) as on October, 2004 : 35104 Km

(a ) Surfaced : 6447 Km

(b) Unsurfaced : 25870 Km

(d) State Highway : 3281 Km

(e) Major District Roads : 2337 Km

(f) Urban Roads : 1251 Km

No. of Industrial Estates -

Name of Industrial Estate	No. of Shed	Sheds allotted	No. of Unit	Sheds occupied	Sheds functioning
1. Guwahati	62	62	77	62	54
2. Dhekiajuli	26	26	-	26	-
3. Tinsukia	47	47	56	47	31
4. Badarpur	38	22	22	22	22
5. Nalbari	30	24	24	21	21
6. Sivasagar	40	37	37	37	37
7. Nagaon	28	28	14	28	14
8. New Bongaigaon	36	36	37	36	19
9. Lahowal	12	11	11	11	11
10. Jorhat	29	29	30	29	24
11. Bihpuria	6	3	2	3	2
12. Bokajan	4	4	4	4	2
13. Howly	2	2	2	2	2
14. Demow	4	-	-	-	-
15. Mini Industrial Estate, Kalapahar	43	43	44	43

Total Power Scenario :

(a) Total Power Generation in the state : 710.669 MU as on 2003 - 2004

(b) Power availability : 3,240.217 MU as on 2003 - 2004

(d) Power purchased from other sources : 2563.016 MU

Total Nos. of District and Village:

Name of District No. of Village

Dhubri … 1333

Kokrajhar … 973

Bongaigaon … 917

Goalpara … 817

Barpeta … 1073

Nalbari … 827

Kamrup … 1393

Darang … 1341

Sonitpur … 1874

Lakhimpur … 1170

Dhemaji … 1315

Morigaon .. 636

Nagaon … 1421

Golaghat … 1086

Jorhat … 866

Sivasagar … 881

Dibrugarh … 1348

Tinsukia … 1151

Karbi Anglong … 2843

N.C. Hills … 640

Karimganj … 940

Hailakandi … 331

Cachar … 1051

_____________

Total: 26247 Nos.

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{The information for newly created districts under B.T.C. area and Kamrup (Urban) district can not be shown separately}

Un-employed Scenario : Registered job seeker is 15,68,109 at the end of

December, 2003.

Total area under Forest Cover: As on 1997 Area under Bamboo area

Bamboo as % of forest

area .

23824 Sq.Km. 8213 Sq.Km. 34.5

Name of various species of bamboo of Assam :

Scientific Name Local Name

1. Bambusa arundinacea … Kotoha banh, Kata banh

2. Bambusa assamica … Saru Bijuli

3. Bambusa auriculata … __

4. Bambusa balcooa … Bhaluka banh, Rai bhuluka

5. Bambusa barpatharica … Bijuli banh

6. Bambusa burmanica … Thaikawa

7. Bambusa cacharensis … ___

8. Bambusa garuchokua … Garuchokua banh, Nangal banh

9. Bambusa jaintiana … ___

10. Bambusa multiplex … Borosi-dang banh, Jupuri banh

11. Bambusa nutans … Jatia mokal

12. Bambusa pallida … Bujuli

13. Bambusa polymorpha … Jama betwa, Betwa

14. Bambusa pseudopallida … Bijuli banh

15. Bambusa rangaensis … Bon bijuli

16. Bambusa teres … Bhaliki makal

17. Bambusa tulda … Jati banh

18. Bambusa valgaris var.valgaris … Tansti banh, Telai banh

19. Bambusa valgaris var. vittata … Halodhia banh

20. Bambusa valgaris f. waminii … Kolochi banh

21. Chimonobambusa callosa … ___

22. Dendrocalamus giganteus … Kako banh, wara

23. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii … Kekowa banh, Paharia kako

24. Dendrocalamus hookeri … Seiat, Sejsai, Sijong, Ukotang, Ussey

25. Dendrocalamus longispathus … ___

26. Dendrocalamus patellaris … Footoong in Mikir

27. Dendrocalamus strictus … Shal banh

28. Dinochloa macclellandii … Beti banh, Lota banh,

29. Gigantochloa albociliata … Kalisuneti

30. Gigantochloa macrostachya … ___

31. Gigantochloa rostrata … Pani banh

32. Melocalamus compactiflorus … Beti banh

33. Melocalamus indicus … ___

34. Melocanna arundina … ___

35. Melocanna baccifera … Tarai, Muli

36. Oxytenanthera parvifolia … Hill jati

37. Phyllostachys assamica … ___

38. Phyllostachys mannii … Deo banh

39. Schizostachyum dullooa … Dullooa, Dolo banh

40. Schizostachyum griffithii … Beti banh

41. Schizostachyum pergracile … Medang banh

42. Schizostachyum polymorphum … Bojal, Nal banh

Present income from the Bamboo per year:

(a) Rs. 3.00 Crores (approx.) by the Forest Department and about 1.80 lakh MT are harvested annually as against the demand of about 9 lakh MT (4.5 lakh MT each by two HPC run paper mills at Jagiroad and Panchgram).

(b) Bamboo growing areas are leased out to M/s. Hindusthan Paper Corporation Ltd..

POLICY ADOPTED BY THE GOVT. OF ASSAM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BAMBOO & CANE SECTOR IN THE STATE ARE AS UNDER

The Vision – Bamboo:

The Government of Assam will encourage, promote and support the enlargement and development of the bamboo sector in a comprehensive manner, through a multidisciplinary, multi-departmental and multi-dimensional integrated approach to provide economic benefits to the people of the state, without disturbing the ecological balance.

The objectives of the policy are to support, facilitate and catalyse –

(a) Development and implementation of a sustainable community based production model for bamboo with concomitant benefits for forest conservation.

(b) Development and implementation of an economic development programme using bamboo for spurring industrial development.

(d) Protection and preservation of ecosystem in the hilly areas, especially protection of slopes and riverbanks, and for sustained productivity. Conservation of biodiversity, as a large number of endangered species use bamboo forest as habitat and many take it as part of their diet. All varieties of native bamboo species shall be protected and germplasm preserved.

The thrust and application areas for the implementation of this vision will include:

(a) Manufacture of value added products and applications, such as wood and plywood substitutes, composite material, charcoal, activated carbon and energy.

(b) Housing and constructional applications involving the use of bamboo and bamboo composite material, in the field of low cost and mass housing and earthquake resistant construction.

(d) Craft, artisanal activity and small enterprise.

(e) Resource development within and outside forest areas including regeneration and conservation.

(f) Capacity building in technical institutions, universities and colleges, to support the intensification and deepening of bamboo based activity.

(g) Skill up-gradation and training.

(h) Dissemination of technical and sectoral knowledge and creation of awareness about the potential afforded by bamboo and the related economic opportunities.

(i) Market analysis and support.

The Raw Material Front:

The Government of Assam shall endeavour to enhance the availability and quality of bamboo, and provide a facilitating and enabling environment for the cultivation, extraction and movement of bamboo to industries, craft groups and other users.

The Government of Assam shall –

(a) Review the access and regulatory regime for cultivation, harvesting and movement of bamboo, including the system of transit permits, and the felling and extraction rules in forest areas, taking into account the fact that it is a grass and a renewable resources, and the need to develop and promote its usage, in particular for value added application.

(b) Take steps to improve the quality, productivity and outturn of bamboo from forest areas through development of plant material capabilities, adoption of intensive management and input approaches, scientific management of forest based bamboo resources, systematic and block plantation of commercially significant species and improved harvesting and post-harvest practices.

(c) Encourage non-government and entrepreneur based plantation private land, homesteads, and wasteland through provision of extension services, induction of quality plant material and other forms of support.

(d) Promote the up-gradation, acquisition and dissemination of knowledge and practices for the bamboo sector, through involvement of research institutions, universities and colleges, Government Agencies, Non Government Organizations, Communities, users and link them with national resource agencies and institutions.

(e) Take steps to update existing management practices based on end-use and to downstream the same to the communities.

(f) Establish bambusteum at two locations in the state.

The Government of Assam shall –

(a) Review the feasibility and desirability of declaring bamboo as a horticultural crop, to encourage the systematic plantation and management of bamboo resources.

(b) Encourage and support the development of bamboo markets and the development of grading systems for raw bamboo.

THE VISION – RATTAN

The Government of Assam will promote and support the rattan sector through a programme of conservation and development of the rattan resources of the state and through support to the craft and small enterprise users of rattan.

The Government of Assam shall encourage value addition in rattan-based handicrafts through improved processing, product diversification, design development and enhanced shelf life.

The Government of Assam shall –

(a) Establish at least two rattan plantations, to be managed under scientific practices, to enhance the availability of rattan for users over a period of time.

(b) Set up a system of gene pool conservation of rattan resources.

BRINGING IN ASSAM ’S STRENGTH – THE COMMUNITY & THE PEOPLE

The role of the Government in achieving the above objectives would be that of a facilitator and promoter of activities in each of the areas outlined in the approach. The strategic direction and thrust would be provided by the Government while the community and the private sector would be the implementers of the strategy.

Bamboo provides subsistence and livelihood security to communities and it is a part of the cultural, social and economic traditions of the state. A community based development approach would be adopted for the sector through active participation and involvement of communities under Joint Forest Management (JFM), under cluster cooperatives of artisans, and other mechanisms. Panchayati Raj Institutions would also be involved in promotion and development of bamboo and cane.

The Market:

The Assam Bamboo and Cane Policy is predicted on the adoption of market-led community based development and demand driven approaches.

The Government of Assam shall –

(a) Take effective steps for developing local manufacturing capability to encourage local demand and in turn increase the effective demand for raw material, and the returns to cultivators.

(b) Support plantation on priority of commercially significant species of bamboo and rattan.

(c) Involve the community in decision making for resource generation and management, and review state regulatory mechanisms that inhabit such people and community centered participation.

(d) Promote market-led stimulation of bamboo growing as an economic activity by easing existing regulations relating to trade and movement of bamboo to ensure appropriate income generation to growers and extractors.

(e) Private market linkages, information and support to commercial units based on bamboo and cane products in different application segments.

MANAGEMENT OF BAMBOO FLOWERING

Immediate steps would be taken to tackle ongoing bamboo flowering of Muli (Melocanna bambusoides) in South Assam( Barak Valley and Hill districts) and other species in different areas.

These steps would include –

(a) Covering maximum area under plantation programme, preferably with superior bamboo species having industrial usage and applications, provided that plantation of superior bamboo species for industrial usage should be done after examining its possible effect on local species and also other ecological aspects. Introduction of exotic species in large scale should be avoided at any cost. Moreover, natural Muli bamboo areas in the wild should not be disturbed by such plantations. Main thrust areas should be private and homestead plantations, and also some select areas under JFM. Muli profusely grows under natural condition in Southern Assam but not in Upper Assam or Western Assam itself indicates that it has a major role in the ecosystem in that region.

(b) Protection of flowering areas against fire and grazing to ensure establishment to profuse regeneration.

(c) Harvesting/removal of flowering culms up to the extent silviculturally available, which will reduce fire hazards and will also develop potential for large scale economic usage such as power generation, pulp production and mat weaving etc.

(d) Documentation and cohort mapping of flowered areas.

(e) Ex-situ conservation of different cohorts.

(f) Rodent pest management in affected areas of flowering.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The focus of research and development would be to improve existing seedlings and nursery practices, package of practices and site management practices for different and use applications of bamboo and cane.

The Government of Assam shall take steps to promote linkages between research institutions within the state, amongst themselves, and with other such institutions in the country.

The Government of Assam shall disseminate information on technologies, products and applications and set up a Bamboo Technology Park at an appropriate location in the state to facilitate effective lab to land transfer. It shall carry out dissemination of technology through campaigns involving extension activities, media support, exhibitions and programme of demonstrations.

THE IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM

An Assam Bamboo and Cane Development Agency (ABCDA) will be constituted to promote and support the integrated development of the bamboo and cane sector in the state..

The Assam Bamboo and Cane Development Agency would be constituted by the Government of Assam as an autonomous, professionally managed non-profit organization. It would be headed by a Chairman with a technical and professional background and experience. The Chairman would be assisted by a small group of subject and technical experts with professional experience relevant to the tasks of the Agency.

In the period before establishment and operationalisation of the Agency, a Core Group would be constituted in the Planning and Development Department, consisting of representatives on deputation from the Industries, Forests and Agriculture Departments, to carry out the tasks to be assigned later to the Agency.

A Cane & Bamboo Development Institute (CBDI) would be established in the state, and managed by the ABCDA. It will be developed as a demand driven center of excellence for extension and training in bamboo and cane to ensure realization of their economic, social and environmental potential in the State as well as in the North – East. The proposed Institute would ensure networking, transfer, adoption and dissemination of technology as well as capacity building in related sub-segments of bamboo and cane development. It would also carry out application oriented research in relevant fields.

Funding support would be sought from the Government of India, the North Eastern Council and other bodies for the establishment of the Institute.

The Government of Assam will endeavour of provide funds for the development of the sector through the levy of a cess, set as a proportion of the royalty payable on the extraction of bamboo from forest areas.

The resources realized from this cess shall be utilized to support the functioning of the ABCDA, the Cane and Bamboo Development Institute, and the creation of a corpus of funds to be management by the ABCDA to support projects in the Governmental, non-Governmental, community and private sectors to develop the bamboo and cane sectors.

Projects taken up from resources available in this corpus shall be selected and approved by an Advisory Committee constituted by the ABCDA and consisting of technical personnel.

ACTS and RULES

Existing regulations applicable for Bamboo and Rattan development sector would jbe reviewed and revised, to the extent possible, to suit the objectives and strategies outlined under the policy.

MONITORING

The Assam Cane & Bamboo Policy shall be implemented through appropriate action plans and implementation programmes for each strategic segment to be developed by the concerned Department of the State Government.

A State Level Advisory Committee of the Bamboo and Cane Development would be formed under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. The Committee would monitor on a bi-annual basis the progress of action plans and implementation programmes for each strategic segment.

The Committee would also ensure that existing regulations applicable for Bamboo and Rattan development sector are revised to achieve the objectives of the Policy.

STATUS OF FARM FORESTRY SCHEME OF NAGAON PAPER MILL OF

HINDUSTAN PAPER CORPORATION

Nagaon Paper Mill, a unit of HPC Ltd., Government of India Enterprise is one of the largest mill in India under the Ministry of Heavy industry with an installed capacity of 1,00,000 tonnes per annum. After achieving over 100% capacity utilization from 2000-01 onwards, efforts are afoot to augment the installed capacity by 30% NPM’s Quality Management System is accredited with ISO 9002 certification and it’s Environment Management System with ISO 14001. The mill also obtained the certificate for Safety Management OHSAS 18001. While the mill is employing 1600 persons directly and 40,000 persons indirectly, it has also giving significant contributions towards social welfare activities by way of giving aids to educational institution, medical facilities, relief to flood victims etc. In addition to the above NPM has taken up an intensive Farm Forestry Scheme since 1987.

The mill requires about 4.5 lakhs MT of bamboo n a year to meet the production target and with the increase in production every year, the requirement increases proportionately. Although there is no dearth of raw material at the moment, there may be every possibility of deficiency of raw material in future. This is due to the traditional practice of shifting cultivation by tribes of hilly areas and reservation of vast forest areas for environmental conservation. Towards an endeavour to get rid of such situation and also to reduce pressure on natural forest, it has become necessary to opt for alternative source of raw materials for the Mill.

Keeping this in mind, the NPM has adopted the Farm Forestry Scheme for raising bamboo and other pulpwood species suitable for pulp, right in the year 1987-88. At Nagaon Paper Mill, a separate department known as “Forestry Wing” keep track on all activities concerning afforestation and sustainable utilization of available raw material. The Mill is inspiring farmers to grow other indigenous and fruit bearing trees also. The most importance aspect of this scheme is that besides ensuring sustained supply of bamboo to the mill, it ensures employment of local youth promotes ecological balance and uplifts rural economy. Thus, NPM adopted the farm forestry scheme for raising bamboo rhizome/seedling plantation along with other fast growing pulpable timber species.

The salient features of the schemes are as under –

1. Pulpwood species selected for distribution are eco-friendly and can be grown in barren land as well as marginal land and also as inter crop.

2. Varied species such as bamboos, Mangium Acacia, Su babul, Eucalyptus, are being distributed.

3. A programme which covers the entire state with the active participation of NGO’s/ V.O’s

4. So far 47 lakhs seedlings already distributed.

5. A target of 20 lakhs for 2005 – 06.

The main objectives of the scheme are –

To establish an agro-Silvicultural system.
To increase the productivity.
To provide job to the local villager and tribal community in plantation related works.
To uplift the economy of the local people and to ensure sustained raw material availability to the Mill in near future.

It has now become imperative to implement the Farm Forestry Scheme more vigorously because availability of bamboo from sources like Karbi Anglong lease areas and forest areas of neighbouring states may become difficult due to environmental protection laws, which may put restrictions on all non-forest activities inside forest areas.

The scheme mainly consists of two modes of raising plantations:

Mode – 1 : Bamboo plantation through Rhizome by individual farmers.

Mode – 2 : Bamboo and pulpwood tree plantation from seedlings through active participation of NGO’s/V.O’s.

Mode – 1 : Bamboo Plantation through Rhizome:

The eligibility requirements of farmer/ villager for participation in the scheme are as under –

1. Each farmer/villager needs to have minimum of 3(three) Bighas (approx. 0.4 Hectares) of land in his own name with documentary evidence of land revenue payment records etc.

2. Proposed land should be suitable for raising bamboo rhizomes plantation.

3. Land should be free from all encumbrances.

4. Propose land should be easily accessible.

5. Farmers/villagers to be identified shall have to raise bamboo plantation at subsidized rate of rs.10/- per survived rhizome as per approved specifications of the scheme and technical guidance of forestry staff of the Mill.

6. Each of the farmer/villagers raising bamboo rhizome plantation under the scheme have to execute a bi-partite agreement with Mill authority, pledging an undertaking that he shall sell his bamboo to Mill at the rate prevailing at the time of harvest.

The bamboo rhizome plantation commenced in 1987-88. In this scheme, so far plantation of about 3.0 lakhs of bamboo rhizomes covering an area of 870 Hectares of land have been raised and disbursed an amount of Rs.30.00 lakhs under the scheme.

Mode – 2 : Raising of plantation of Bamboo and Pulp-able species

from seeds with involvement of NGO’s/VO’s

In this scheme, raising and distribution of seedlings are made through NGOs/VOs having good relation with local farmers. Every year, applications from reputable NGOs/VOs are invited through press notification for registration under the scheme. After scrutiny of the applications, applicants are invited for appearing in interview. Thereafter, a final list of the NGOs/VOs is prepared on the basis of their capacity. Forestry officials visit the NGOs/VOs areas for inspection and selection of nursery sites as well as to introduction with them, as far as possible. The selected NGOs/VOs shall have to execute a Bi-partite agreement with the Company, on a Non-Judicial Stamp paper worth Rs. 50.00 to be arranged by the NGOs/VOs.

After execution of the agreement required quantity of seeds, polythene bags as well as technical guidance will be provided by the Forestry officials in free of cost. Sowing of seeds in proper bed or directly in the polythene bags, as required and timely maintenance of the nursery have to be carried out by the NGOs/VOs. As soon as the seedlings attained a plantable height, they are inspected by a committee from the Mill and then the NGO/VOs are allowed to distribute seedlings for plantation among interested farmers/beneficiaries. The cost of seedlings is Rs.3/- per seedling. The mode of payment is done on installment (i) 30% payment i.e. Rs.0.90 paisa per survived seedling, based on the seedlings raised in the nursery (ii) balance 70% i.e. Rs.2.10 p per seedling is paid on the number of survived seedlings in the field. From this a realization of Re 1/- is being remitted to the corporation as sale proceed from the seedlings sold for the purpose of plantation to the farmers. The farmers will plant seedlings in their surplus, unused, waste land and maintain them at their own expenses including necessary protection etc.

The seedling plantation through NGOs commenced in 2001 – 02. A total of 24 NGOs in the first year, 51 NGOs in the second year, 50 NGOs in the third year and 54 NGOs in the fourth year were selected to raise and distribute 50 lakhs seedlings. In the first year 10.54 lakhs, in the second year 12.95 lakhs, in the third year 13.5 lakhs and in the fourth year 17.9 lakhs seedlings were raised. During 2005 – 06, the target proposed for raising and distribution of seedlings is 20 lakhs.

Areas Covered –

Mode – 1 Mainly in Karbi Anglong district. Also covers in Morigaon, Nagaon and a part of Kamrup district.

Mode – 2 Morigaon, Nagaon, Kamrup, Darrang, Nalbari, Dhubri, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Jorhat, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong district.

Species selected : Bamboos, Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus hybrid, Anthocephalas kadamba, Bombax cieba, Luceana leucocephala, Neem etc.

Year-wise Distribution of Seedling, Nos. of NGOs and Total Expenditure Incurred:

Sl. No.	Year	Seedlings raised (Lakhs)	Seedlings distribution (Lakhs)	Nos. of NGOs	Total expenditure (in Lakhs)
1.	2001 – 02	10.00	8.00	24	13.86
2.	2002 – 03	15.00	14.00	51	24.39
3.	2003 – 04	15.00	13.00	50	13.89
4.	2004 – 05	18.00	12.00	54	14.66
	Total:	58.00	47.00		66.80

Year-wise Survival and Expected yield after 5/6 years:

Sl. No.	Year	Total Survivability (Lakhs)	Areas covered (Approx) (Hectares)	Expected yield (MT) (Green)
1.	2001 – 02	5	64	6400
2.	2002 – 03	8	168	16800
3.	2003 – 04	4	150	1500
4.	2004 – 05	Yet to Survey	-	-
	Total:		382	38200

Apart from above the Nagaon Paper Mill has taken up various projects under farm Forestry Scheme for the development of bamboo resources in the state of Assam as well as the neighbouring states. The schemes are –

(1) Clonal Propagation through two Nodded Culm-cuttings:

The Clonal propagation of bamboo through two nodded culm cuttings has been carried out in 3 species viz. bambusa balcooa, B. nutans and B. tulda during the month of April – May, 2005. Separation of clones has been started in the R& complex of the NPM for better development of roots and rhizomes. During 2004 – 05, 750 Nos. of bamboo clones of Bambusa balcooa, B. tulda, B. nutans, B. vulgaris and B. bamboos were raised through this method. The clones were planted in our plantation site as “Demo Plantation”.

(2) Raising of Block Plantation :

The Department of Bio-technology, Govt. of India has approved and sanctioned the project titled “Validation, testing and locational trials for micro/macro propagated planting stock of selected bamboo species in North East India” for raising of block plantation in 20 hectares of land with bamboo Tissue Culture planting materials in seven states of N.E. Region through NPM. As requested, the Govt. of Assam has given 20 hectares of land at Amsoi and Nellie in Morigaon district, which is 25 Km away from the mill for raising block plantation. The plantation works under the scheme is yet to commence on the selected site.

(3) Procurement of Tissue Culture Plants:

As per agreement, the party M/s. Growmore Biotech Ltd. has started supplying TC planting materials of Bambusa balcooa to NPM for hardening in the Shade Net House established at NPM. NPM has received 13230 Nos. of TC seedling of B. balcooa (Bhaluka) against total requirement of 2.17 lakhs. Out of 13230 seedlings received so far, 9543 Nos. of TC Plantings materials were issued to various organizations/ Government Department of N.E. States for plantation as a part of bamboo resource development after hardening at NPM. Balance quantity of plantintg materials jshall lbe delivered to NPM for secondary hardening as confirmed by the party M/s. Growmore Biotech Ltd., Hosur, Tamil Nadu.The TC seedlings of B. balcooa and B. nutans (Makal) shall be dispatched to the Forest Department of N.E. States for plantations after development of rhizomes in the Shade Net House at NPM, Jagiroad.

(4) Establishment of a Tissue Culture Lab.:

HPC in collaboration with NMBA/TIFAC has decided to establish a Tissue Culture Laboratory for mass propagation of bamboo tissue culture plantlets. The construction works would start from December, 2005 and commercial production would commence from October, 2006. Since tissue culture plants are generally fast growing, high yielding and disease resistance and very high demand in the region, it is assumed that the farmers/villagers would be highly benefited by way of getting sufficient quantity of TC planting materials for raising plantation in various regions and it would bridge the gap between demand and supply of bamboo to meet the requirement of bamboo in the region in general and in NPM in particular in near future.

(5) Allotment of Land for Captive Plantation :

Proposal has been submitted to the Commissioner & Secretary, Deptt. of Forest and Environment, Govt. of Assam for allotment of 15000 Hectares of degraded/ waste land for raising of captive plantation for both the mills of HPC. The Commissioner & Secretary has forwarded the proposal to the Environment & Forest, Govt. of India for consideration. Once it is approved, our mills will attain self-sufficiency in Forest raw materials.

Similarly, Cachar Paper Mill (CPM) of HPC situated a Panchgram in Hailakandi district of Assam has also launched Farm Forestry Scheme through different NGOs/VOs in different areas of Barak Valley, Tripura, Mizoram and N.C. Hills and 15,81,417 Bamboo Seedlings were raised in the nursery of CPM for distribution to NGOs/VOs and other institutions like Tea Estates, individuals etc.

A broad mission is underway to ensure the transition of the North East region to a location surplus in value creation and value addition facilities to the existing bamboo resources