Cane and Bamboo

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MIZORAM AT A GLANCE

Location:

Mizoram is located in the North Eastern part of India and covers an area of 21081 sq.km. It is bounded on the north by the Cachar district of Assam and the stat of Manipur. On the east and south it is bounded by Myanmar, to the west by the Chittagong hill tracks of Bangladesh and the state of Tripura.

Physiography:

Mizoram is a land of hills, geologically the Mizo hills form a part of the Aracan Arc a series of compact parallel ridges with north to south axis formed of tertiary sand stone, limestone and shale’s (rock between 1.6 and 66.4 million years old). The ridges separated by narrow river valleys rise to a height of 2157 m. Capital Aizawl is a hilly town located at about 4050 feet sea level. The hills are covered with evergreen forest containing valuable timber trees and bamboo. The actual forest cover in 1997 ws 18775 sq.km. which has been decreased to 17494 sq.km in 2001 due to in discrimate Jhuming (burning of forest & planting). Although many rivers and streams drain the hill ranges the most important and useful river in the south is Kaladan and its tributaries flow southwards into Myanmar while the Dhaleswari and Sonai rivers flow north into Assam and eventually join the river Barak in the plains of Cachar.

With the implementation of North Eastern Reorganization Act, 1972, Mizoram became a Union Territory in 1972. Subsequently, as a sequel to the signing of the historic Memorandum of Settlement between Govt. of India and the Mizo National Front in 1986 Mizoram attained the statehood on 20th February, 1987 .

Climate :

The climate of Mizoram is moderate. The annual average temperature averaging between 10oC to 21oC in winter and 20oC to 28oC in summer.

Rainfall:

The south west monsoon from the Bay of Bengal visits the state around May and lingers till September.The annual rainfall is fairly heavy and evenly spread about 2500mm on an average. Winter brings frost in some place but no snowfall.

Economy:

Agriculture is practically the only occupation in Mizoram. The territory is famous for its fibreless ginger, although other cash crops like mustard, sesames and potatoes are also grown. However, the method of cultivation Jhum is primitive and destructive. The Mizoram Government is now trying to induce the peasant to change over to more permanent systems of cultivation like terrace farming on the hill slopes. Rice, maize, oilseeds, cotton and vegetables are the main crops. People are also engaged in sericulture and produce mulberry, eri, muga and tussar silk. The main horticultural crops are citrus like opranges, lemon, passion fruits, pineapple and pappya. Other crops are sugarcane, tapioca and cotton. In the forest bamboo is abundantly grown. Mizoram is known for its “Muli Bamboo” (Melocana baccifera) grown over an area of more than 6400 sq.km which is one-third of the total area of the state

The People:

The wood Mizo means Highlanders consisting of several clans such as Lusai, Ralte, Hmar, Mara and such other sub-tribes migrated from the China hills of Myanmar in between 1750 to 1850. They came under the influence of British Missionaries in the 19th Century and now most of the Mizos are Christians. Christianity brought changes in their social life, outlook, western life styles and modern education. Mizos have the highest literacy rate (88%) in the country.

Area : 21081 Sq. km.

Principal languages : Mizo, Hindi and English

Population : 891058

Percentage of decadal growth of population : 29.18

(1990-2001)

Male : 459783

Female : 431275

Rural : 450018

Male : 233718

Female : 216300

Urban : 441040

Male : 226065

Female : 214975

% of urban population : 49.50

Child between six years : 141537

Male : 71817

Female : 69720

Literacy rate : 663262

(74.44%)as against recorded

88.40%).

Women literate ........... : 311417

Male literate : 351851

Density of population : 42

The number of literates and illiterates in Mizoram as per 2001 Census are as under (Figures of 1991 given in brackets):

Total population

Child 0 – 6 years

No.of literates

No.of illiterates

8,19,058

(689756)

1,41,537

(128273)

6,63,262

(461930

86,259

(99553)

District-wise population :

Sl.No.

Nme of district

Total population

Male

Female

No. of House-hold

Namit

62,313

32,766

29,547

12,253

II.

Kolasive

60,977

31,874

29,109

14,053

III

Aizawl

3,39,812

1,73,930

1,65,882

64,753

Champhai

1,01,389

51,869

49,520

22,059

Serchhip

55,539

28,445

27.094

10,116

Lunglai

1,37,155

71,353

65,802

27,889

VII

Lawngtlai

73,050

38,425

34,625

13,902

VIII

Saiha

60,823

31,121

29,702

11,109

TOTAL

8,91,058

4,59,783

4,31,275

1,76,134

Infrastructure:

Roads (As on 2003) : 5075 Km

Railway route length : 1.50 Km

(As on 31-3-2003 )

Railway route density : 0.07 Km

Per thousand sq.km. in 2004

No. of Airports ........... : 1(one)

Per capita consumption of : 299.85 Kwh.

Electricity in 2002-03.

Social Infrastructure:

No.of Towns(as per 2001 Cnsus) : 22

No. of districts : 8

No. of Govt. Hospitals ........... : 12

No. of Post Office : 400

No. of bank branches : 81

(As on 31-3-05 )

Amount of deposit : 909.4

(in Crores)(As on 31-3-05 )

Amount of Advance : 460.25

(As on 31-3-05 )

Credit deposit ratio : 50.61

(As on 31-3-05 )

Major industries/crops/minerals: Industries exploration and refining of petroleum, Coal, Saw plywood & veneer mills, Lime, Paper, Handloom & handicrafts (Bamboo & Cane), Sericulture, Brass & Belt metal.

Crops: Tea, rice, jute, cotton, oil seeds, sugarcane.

1. Total Population below Poverty Line: 47,650 Nos.

Sl. No. Name of District BPL

i) Aizawl West 11,623

ii) Aizawl East 10,341

iii) Champhai 8,140

iv) Lunglei 9,276

v) Saiha 3,867

vi) Lawngthai 4,303

vii) Reserved 100

_______

47,650

======

2. Total Holding Pattern :

(i) Whether Forest Land owned by individual :

(ii) By the Government :

3. Total No. of Major River : 11 Nos.

Sl.No. Name of River

i) Tlawng

ii) Chhimtuipuii

iii) Tuichang

iv) Mat

v) Khathlang Tuipui,

vi) Twichang

vii) Khawchhak Tuipui,

viii) Tuirini

ix) Tuivawl

x) Tuirial

xi) Tut

4. Total Nos. of National Highways :

I. TotalNos. : 6

II. Total Lengths : 921 Km

(a) NH-150 : 130 Km

(b) NH-44A : 140 Km

(d) NH-54 : 544 Km

(e) NH-54A : 10 Km

(f) NH-54B : 39 Km

5. Total Nos. of PWD Roads –

I. Total Nos. : 6

II. Total Lengths : 3721.69 Km

Length of Border Road : 1335.94 Km

As per the report of the Ministry of Road Transport Govt. of India as on March,2003, Mizoram has a total road length of 5075 Km. The rail routs providers a critical inputs for overcoming transport bottlenecks in any state or region. However, as on March,2004, the rail density expressed in terms of routs length per thousand square kilometer in Mizoram was 0.07 Km as against all India figure of 700.36 Km displaying the most outward appearance of Mizoram’s infrastructural infirmity that calls for any urgent need for building up rail & road network in the state.

6. I. No. of Industrial Estates : 2( two)

II. Name & Lcation : (1) Zuangtui Industrial Estate

Aizawl District,

Area: 314.70 Bigha

(2) Kolasib Industrial Estate,

Kolasib district.

Area : 10.79 Acres

Total Area

No. of Shed

Occupied

Vacant Data not available with the

Power positions Industrial Department

Present status

7. Total Power Scenario :

I. Total Power Generation in the State : Thermal – 22.92 MW

Hydel – 13.75 MW

36.67 MW

II. Power Availability : Power availability varies from

40 MW to 93 MW ( including

30 to 75 MW from GRID)

III. Peak Demand : Demand – 55 MW.

8. No. of Villages (District-wise)

Sl.No.

Name of District

No. of Village

Mamit

100

Kolasib

Aizawl

164

Champhai

126

Serchhip

Lunglei

205

Lawntlai

146

Saiha

Total

911

9. Un-employed Scenario : 31462 (M – 20630, F – 10832 )

The Level of Poverty:

Although the exists in a number of areas such as geographical terrain and inaccessibility, infrastructure bottleneck distance from marketing hub, educational and technological centres, lack of Industrial exposure in Mizoram yet, the level of poverty in Mizoram is much lower level (26.74%) as compared to 55% in Tripura, 35.53% in Assam and 55.16% in Meghalaya as against the national average of 35%. Out of the total population of 891058, the people below poverty line is 238250 which works out to 26.72%.

10. Total area under forest : 1749400 Ha.

11. Total bamboo grown area under forest : 6,44,600 Ha.

12. Total Bamboo cultivation area under forest : 4640 Ha.

13. Name of various species of bamboo : 26 Nos.

Sl.No.

Scientific Name

Local Name

Status

Bambusa Khasiana

Rawte

Common

Bambusa lingispiculate

Rawthing

Less common

Bambusa oliveriana

Talan

Less common

Bambusa pallida

As recorded in Bamboos of India

Bambusa tulda

Rawthing

Common

Bambusa vulgaris

Vairua

Introduced

Chimonobambusa collosa

Phar

Common

Dendrocalamus hamiltonii

Phulrua

Very common

Dendrocalamus hookeri

Rawlak/Rawkhauh

Less common

10.

Dendrocalamus lingispathus

Rawnal

Very common

11.

Dendrocalamus sikkimensis

Rawmi

Common

12.

Dendrocalamus strictus

Tursing

Introduced

13.

Dendrocalamus spp.

Rawpui/Rawchhia (Changdum)

Common-need- authentication

14.

Dendrocalamus spp.

Rawpui/Rawchhia (Changdum)

Common-need- authentication

15.

Dendrocalamus spp.

Ram rawpui

Less common

16.

Dinochloa compactiflora (Melocalamus compactiflorus)

Sairil

Very common

17.

Gigantochloa albociliata

Rawthing tial

Common

18.

Melocanna baccifera

Mautak

Very common

19.

Pseudostachym polymorphum

Char

Need authentication

20.

Racemobamboosa mannii (Neomicrocalamus mannii)

Saiman

Rare

21.

Schizostachyumcapitatum

Rawngal

Common

22.

Schozostachyumdulloa

Rawthla

Common

23.

Sinarundinariagriffithiana

Lik

Rare-as recorded in bamboos of India

24.

Sinarundinaria intermedia

Lik

Common

25.

Sinarundinaria longispiculata

Lik

Rare-as recorded in bamboos of India

26.

Dendrocalamus/Bambusa spp

Ankua

Need authentication

14. Total quantity of BambooHarvested yearly (in MT) : 1,24,466 MT (in 2004)

94,866 MT (2004) for pulp and paper as per Forest Deptt.

29,600 MT for other activities as per bamboo Cell of Directorate of Industries

___________

1,24,466 MT

15. Methods of Collection of Bamboo : Manual cutting & transporting

through river and road

16. Major consumer of bamboo : I. HPC Paper Mill, Panchgram

II. Small Scale Industries

17. Total income from bamboo per year : Rs. 180.00 lakh in 2004

by Forest Department

18. Departmental arrangement of bamboo : 4640 Ha. In 2004

plantation ( in hectare)

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS:

The economy of the state is primarily agrarian with majority of the people practicing Jhum cultivation. There are no major industries in the state to provide regular source of income to the people. About 50,000 persons alone are employed in various Government and Semi-Government undertakings, which reckons to 6% of the total population. There are 5991 Nos. of SSI units as on March,2001 employing 9013 persons, besides these the people practice poultry, piggery, pisciculture and dairy in the homestead. Per capita income of the stae in 1996-97 is Rs 13,360. People are also engaged in sericulture, weaving, knitting and tailoring, bakery, workshops, trade, and in various cottage industries. Although literacy level in the state is 88.84% (2001 Census provisional figures), second in the country, lack of infrastructure development, remote location, poor market linkages, inadequate power supply has resulted in slow pace of industrial development in the state. Difficult topography and limited flat terrain (just around 3%) has also attributed to economic backwardness.

Jhum cultivation has become unproductive owing to frequent exposure of soil as is evident from the reduction of Jhum cycle from 20 – 25 years to 4 – 5 years. Soil, moisture, vegetation, and bio-diversity loss has rendered large area refractory and unsuitable for jhuming. Presently jhum cultivation is practiced by burning standing bamboo which in itself is a great loss in term of revenue.

Potential for Sector-wise Industrial Development of Mizoram – A SWOT Analysis:

Strength:

Ø The Government and the people of Mizoram are proactive in attracting investments and encourage quality consciousness and provide conducive environment for growth.

Ø The Majority of the people of Mizoram have some access to land and other productive resources like livestock, loom etc. This a great advantage which has not been adequately utilized.

Ø The nimble-fingered women folk especially those belonging to Myanmar origin provides an added strength in boosting Handloom and Weaving sector with intervention of modern machine tools and design techniques.

Ø The high literacy rate and female participation in economic activities is an added advantage.

Ø The Geo-climate conditions of the state is most suitable for growth and development of bamboo sector in Mizoram which is known for its wild grown Multi bamboo (Melocanna baccifera).

Ø There are abundant land for commercial plantation of agro-horticultural crops including bamboo. With increasing research on element analysis of chemical properties of bamboo and screening of the plant compounds like organic acids, trace elements and their effects on insects, bacterial or animal systems and assessment of potency of chemical compounds with respect to toxicity, biocidal and medicinal values though the intervention of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research of the Ministry of Science & Technology and their end use in medicine and other purpose of daily use would open new avenues for development of small industries including pharmaceutical industry, Agriculture, industrial & medicinal plantation and other bio-diversity infrastructure.

Ø Mizoram has long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh . The Union Government’s look east policy provides an additional advantage for growth and development with its strategic location connecting the South-East Asian Countries.

Ø The natural beauty of the state could attract the tourist trade.

Weakness:

Ø There is rapid depletion of forest due to reduce Jhum cycle which has gone down from 20 – 25 years to 4 – 5 years.

Ø Lack of availability of modern technology guidance for scientific cultivation and management of various agro-horticultural produce including bamboo and its wide range of applications.

Ø Lack of availability of cost effective reliable consultancy support services necessary for industrial growth.

Ø Lack of marketing channels for raw and semi-processed local products.

Ø The local population perceives bamboo as low value addition product.

Ø The transportation cost is prohibitive due to terrains and lack of road and rail networks.

Opportunities:

Ø Bordering Mynmar produces large quantities of pulse and oil seeds and export the same without value addition in the absence of existence of an internal Milling facilities. Joint ventures units for milling of pulses and oilseeds may be set up in bordering areas in Mizoram.

Ø Misoram has a long international border with Myanmar which does not possess expertise in cutting and polishing of its large deposits of precious stones. These can be undertaken in the bordering areas with Indian Technology.

Ø The productivity and efficiency of the primary processing sector in the state of Mizoram can be enhanced by replacing manually operative methods with simple hand operations using simple machine.

Ø Units for making safety matches can be set up in the border areas utilizing vast wood resources available in the forest of bordering Myanmar .

Ø There is substantial demand for stainless steel utensil in Myanmar . As there is no local production, the demand is being met by import especially from Thailand . Production units can be set up in bordering areas of Mizoram to make stainless steel utensils for export to Myanmar .

Ø Up-gradation of farm technology including green house technique and creation of marketing infrastructure would prove beneficial to fruit, vegetables and other cash-crop growers including that of bamboo.

Ø Conducting awareness camps, training camps and exposure visit and provision of market information including display of daily market rates of different products would encourage the farmers to grow qualitative produce to compete in inter state and national markets to get remunerative prices for their produce.

Threats:

Ø In the globalized regime, the high quality cheap value products from neighbouring China through bordering Myanmar would be a common acceptability. The local industries may not be able to compete with such cheap imported products.

Measures to over come weaknesses/gap to exploit the potential:

In the backdrop of the prevailing socio-economic, industrial & technological scenario as also the status of Science & Technology stock in the state, the following measures may be adopted to exploit the potentials –

a) Conducting periodic location specific awareness camps, training camps for creating consciousness about the potential of the state and making available the most needed consultancy support system and technical guidance for exploiting such potential.

b) Supporting and strengthening Consultancy Organization(s) to develop their physical infrastructure and consultancy capabilities including faculty positions to enable them to provide cost effective consultancy services and technological input necessary for growth of modern industries and creation of employment opportunities in this sector.

c) to provide necessary financial and technological support for growth of Research & Design Develop activities and technology parks in various areas such as industry, agriculture, horticulture, handloom & handicrafts and energy sectors needed for any sustainable development.

Bamboo Policy of Mizoram 2002:

Preamble:

Bamboo represents a vast untapped major resource of Mizoram state whose full ecological and economic potentials remain underutilized ; it needs to be recognized, developed and promoted in a manner ensuring ecological security for all round sustainable development of the state and well-being of its people.

Bamboo is an essential component of forest eco-system, which is dominant feature of state’s landscape. Traditional living and lifestyle of Mizo society, to a large extent, I dependent on bamboo for its variety of uses and bamboo has much to offer by way of contributing to socio-economic advancement of modern Mizo society. The eco-friendly Bamboo crop has immense potential in improving rural economy, industrial development and a sound economic base for the state on sustained basis.

Bamboo-sector development is high priority thrust area of the Stat Government and Government of India. Thus there is a need to promote bamboo development for the benefit of rural sector.

The change over from traditional use to a modern use tracking a high potential growth path in an eco-friendly manner needs a clear vision, an appropriate policy framework and a road map. Hence the necessary of drafting a Bamboo Policy.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS

The economy of the state is primarily agrarian with majority of the people practicing jhum cultivation. There are no major industries in the state to provide regular source of income to the people. About 50,000 persons alone are employed in various Government and Semi-Government undertakings, which reckons to 6% of the total population. There are 4334 Nos. of SSI Units as on 1-4-1998 , besides people practice poultry, piggery, pisciculture and dairy in the homestead. Per capita income of the state in 1996-97 is Rs 13,360. People are also engaged in sericulture, weaving, knitting and tailoring, bakery, workshop, trade, and in various cottage industries. Although literacy level in the state is 88.84% (2001 Census provisional figures), second in the country, lack of infrastructure development, remote location, poor market linkages, inadequate power supply has resulted in slow pace of industrial development in the state. Difficult topography and limited flat terrain (just around 3%) has also attributed to economic backwardness.

RESOURCE SCENARUIO OF BAMBOO

· Tropical moist deciduous forests and bamboo forest are the commonest type of vegetation in Mizoram. Bamboo occurs in the lower story of Tropical Evergreen and Moist Deciduous Forests along the banks or rivers in the riverside forests and in the valleys with humid conditions. Bamboo is found from 40 metres to 1500 metres elevation but is rare in the eastern region of the state, particularly in Champhai, due to high altitude; open tracks of bamboo are scarce in east and south-east. Bamboo brakes cover about 6446 sq.km, about 31% of geographical area of the State. Bamboo brakes are entirely of secondary origin; clear felling of primary forests results in establishment of bamboo especially Melocanna baccifera which dominates the species composition.

· There are more than 20 species of Bamboo covering 9 genea, occurring in the state. Non-clump forming bamboo Melocanna baccifra (Mautak) is abundantly found contributing about 95% of the growing stock of Bamboo while other important species are Dendrocalamus hamiltonii (Phulrua), Dendrocalamus longispathus (Rawna), D. species (Rawpui), bambusa tulda (Rawthing), B. Longispiculata (Rawthing chi) and Arundinaria collosa (Phar). Barring Mautak, other species are found in small proportion, yet are commercially important for value added products.

Amongst the edible bamboos, Melacanna baccifera(Mautak) is most favoured followed by Bambusa tulda (Rawthing), Dendrocalamus hamiltonii (Phulrua), D. Longispathus (Rawnal) and D. sikkimensis (Rawmi).

No reliable date are available to authenticate volume of growing stock, annual growth, available bamboo yield, consumption and use due to annual burning operation of bamboo during jhum season. But as per the Forest Survey of India’s inventory carried out in 1988-89 the bamboo stock in Mizoram is assessed at 12,950.75(000) M.Tonnes and the annual yield being 3237.689 (000) M.Tonnes, while the annual consumption of bamboo for domestic purpose was estimated at 28.315 (000) M.Tonnes thus leaving an annual surplus of 3209.374 (000) M. Tonnes for Industrial and Trade purpose. Thus Mizoram alone contributes 14% of the country’s growing stock of bamboo with about 9210 sq. km. (49.10%) of the geographical area of 21081 sq .km. of the state.

Bamboos are annually worked under Mahal system since District Council Period. Mahal system is operated for Riverine Reserve and Inner line Reserve Forests only, covering 20 to 23 rivers & tributaries. Most of the bamboo harvested by the Mahaldars is supplied to Hindustan Paper Corporation at Panchgram in Hailakandi district of Assam. Rivers are preferably used for bamboo transportation to HPC through Barak river. Substantive quantity of Bamboo is available outside the Government Forest in revenue land whee it is used as burning material during jhum operation and is not harvested.

Bamboo flowering occurs at a periodic interval of 48 – 50 years in Mizoram. From past experience Bamboo flowering follows famine which is known as ‘Mautam’ after the flowering of Melocanna baccifera (Mautak) and Thingtam after Bambusa tulda (Rawthing). As per record Mautak flowered in 1815, 1863, 1911 and 1959 while the nest expected flowering cycle is in 2007. As for Rawthing, flowering was observed in 1739, 1785, 1833, 1929 and 1977 and the next flowering is expected in 2007. Gragarious flowering and seeding of bamboo causes an increase in rat population. The massive rat population feeds on standing agricultural crop, causing its destruction and results in acute food scarcity.

NEED FOR BAMBOO POLICY

Bamboo being a multipurpose, eco-friendly crop abundantly available, yet an underutilized natural resource, needs to be managed and exploited for sustainable use. Bamboo is conceived as a thrust area in the Industrial Development of Mizoram for the economic and ecological security of the people. This precious resource needs to be fully tapped as an Industrial raw material, as substitute for wood in rural/urban housing, engineering works, handicrafts, furniture and value addition through export. Undoubtedly bamboo can revolutionize the economy of the State ensuring employment opportunities to a large number of people. Extension and awareness about bamboo sector development will be given a renewed thrust.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Considering the Ecological significance and vast economic potential of Bamboo in the state, aims and objectives of the Bamboo Policy shall be as under :

· Protection and preservation of mountain ecology; protecting the mountain slopes by affording protection to bamboo forests and bamboo re-growth areas for sustained productivity and environmental security for the people.

· Protection, conservation of rich bio-diversity associated with bamboo forests and re-growth areas and their future development.

· Sustainable development and utilization of Bamboo resources through scientific management.

· Promotion of private bamboo (Individual and commodity owned) as the key thrust area for future economy of the state.

· Promotion of bamboo cultivation in the homestead and as a cash crop and an essential component of agro-forestry to generate income and to meet the contingent need of rural households in the state.

· Improvement of bamboo productivity in farm and forestry sector by use of bio-technology and improved management practices thus making bamboo plantation a profitable and attractive economic enterprise for securing adequate return on investment.

· Promotion of bamboo based industries at cottage level, small scale, medium and large scale for utilizing the available resources at a sustainable level for generating assured income.

· Revitalization and promotion of local traditional Bamboo craft and art with improved technology, design and market linked for value added items for export through industrialized mode of production.

· Promotion of bamboo sector development as an essential component of rural development strategy linked with forestry and agri-business sector in the state promoting rural employment.

· Promotion of bamboo as an essential wood substitute by increasing bamboo production. Promotion of enterprises manufacturing bamboo based products and wood substitutes thereby reducing pressure on forests and reducing wood deficiency in the state.

· Promotion of awareness and understanding of bamboo as “Green Gold” among farmers, traders, industry men in the state with a view to utilizing its full potential and to galvanize the rural and industrial sector in the state.

· Effective exploitation of the economic potential of bamboo before the impending MAUTAM i.e. gregarious flowering in 2006-07.

APPROACH TO BAMBOO SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

· Conservation of bamboo–diversity, bamboo-germplasm and preservation of mountain ecology.

· Use of Bamboo forests and bamboo re-growth areas for affording protection in critical watersheds, to human habitations, civil engineering structures like national and state highways, rural roads and hydro-power projects etc.

· Regulating bamboo-exploitation in jhum re-growth and jhum areas by involving Village Councils/Village Forest Development Committees (VFDCs) and facilitating gradual change over to agro-forestry management and practices.

· Sustainable management and use of dedicated bamboo forests and bamboo re-growth areas for providing essential bamboo materials for traditional use and commercial use in bamboo based industries, enterprises, handicraft sector and for bamboo trade and commerce.

· Promoting bamboo cultivation in homested, agro-forestry sector as a cash crop using improved high yielding bamboo species for income generation and supporting bamboo based enterprises and bamboo trade.

· Promoting private bamboo plantation as key thrust area for achieving the objectives enshrined in the policy. The focus will be on developing the sector as market driven and people oriented.

· Providing supportive administrative, institutional framework to facilitate all round bamboo sector development by evolving a framework of incentives, subsidy, technical and professional support in regard to planting material, improved plantation technology, processing facilities and support services like training, credit, marketing, export facilitation, etc.

· Identification of select bamboo species for plantation raising and providing raw materials to select industries like bamboo mat board, flooring and edible shoots having high demand in domestic and export market and adoption of improved technology and market & export linkages and supportive investments to promote such plantation & processing enterprises in the state.

THE STRATEGY

Protection of Mountain Ecology and Environment:

· Mountain environment and ecology shall be protected preserved and existing imbalance due to inappropriate land use, over exploitation of natural resources beyond carrying capacity shall be checked and prevented. The detailed action plan/guidelines will be formulated by September, 2002.

· Bamboo forests and re-growth areas in critical mountain slopes and around village habitations shall be afforded protection to ensure environmental security (protection of catchment, regulation of water flow, recharge of water table, conservation of flora and fauna etc. and protection of developmental infrastructure like roads, bridges, hydel projects, human settlements, habitations, etc.)

· All variety of native bamboo species, ecotypes shall be protected and germplasm preserved. Efforts shall be made to conserve germplasm in in-situ and ex-situ. Bamboo Resource Development Wing will be coordinating agency with technological inputs from Department of Bio-technology, National Institute of Bamboo and Rattan, ICFRE and other scientific institutes within and outside the state.

BAMBOO RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

Mapping/Inventorization:

· Data base in regard to bamboo is poor. Bamboo resource assessment i.e. mapping and inventorization of bamboo shall be accorded highest priority and shall be completed in 2 to 3 years. Available expertise of Forest Survey of India (ESI), National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) and services of State Remote Sensing Application Centre and Department of Environment & Forest shall be utilized to carryout the mapping and inventory for which required fund support shall be provided.

Dedicated land use for Bamboo Development:

· Bamboo rich areas having bamboo development, potential and having economic and ecological significance must be identified, surveyed, demarcated and dedicated to parmanent bamboo growing (in government, community, private sector). The identification of such areas would be completed by September, 2002.

Management of Bamboo Resource in the state:

· Bamboo occurs as a lower storey in Evergreen, Semi-evergreen forest along river banks and grows profusely in abandoned jhum lands. It occurs pure in bamboo-brakes. The existing bamboo resources within the notified forests and outside in government lands and jhum land and Village Council areas shall be managed on scientific lines, keeping in view the end use, socio-economic need of local people and industrial need.

· Bamboos within notified forest shall be managed as per approved management plan keeping in view sustainable forest management principles in association with local village communities [under JFM (Joint Forest Management) concept]. Present system of bamboo harvesting by mahals shall be replaced in a phased manner. The existing bamboo shall be harvested and utilized employing improved and modern harvesting and utilization technology.

· Bamboos outside government notified forest and in Jhumland shall be managed i.e. conserved, protected and harvested (from dedicated bamboo areas under government/community control) on scientific lines. Appropriate guidelines shall be evolved in consultation with the Village Councils, Environment & Forest, Local Administration Department (LAD), Revenue, Agriculture and other development departments. Harvesting would be done by Village Councils/VFDCs through labour cooperative societies or family lease system. Detailed guidelines will be notified by September, 2002.

· As an incentive and to wholly involve the Village Council/VFDC in conservation, protection and sustainable management of Bamboo Resources in the respective village areas, bamboo management shall vest with Village Council/VFDC. Village Council/VFDCs shall be empowered to manage the Bamboo Resources for which Act/Rules shall be enacted. Representative of Environment & Forest Department, Rural Department, LAD, Revenue shall be represented in Village Council/VFDCs to ensure management of bamboo resources is in conformity with Bamboo Management Regulations for each village. Thus Bamboo Resource Management will be a community enterprise with delegated powers/vested interest created to conserve, protect, harvest bamboo resource in the Village Council area involving willing families in bamboo production, management, harvesting and supporting bamboo craft, bamboo industries in the rural sector. Detailed guidelines will be formulated and notified by September, 2002.

Protection from Fire:

· Bamboo resources inside notified forests and in Village Council areas shall be protected from spread of fire. Every year a forest fire prevention strategy and measures shall be adopted and implemented by making joint efforts by various government departments, Village Councils and social organizations. Required fund support shall be made available from government sources and Village Council fund (Bamboo Revenue).

Regulation of Bamboo harvest:

· Bamboo, at present, is collected in an unregulated manner by villagers to meet their bonafide domestic need free or on payment of royalty. Bamboo from Government Notified Forests is sold by Mahal System. With a view to manage the bamboo resources in a sustainable manner and to ensure a support base to increasing bamboo yield to meet the local need and export of bamboo and improved bamboo produce, annual bamboo harvest and yield need to be predetermined through silvicultural availability, felling regulation, seasonal requirement, market need and in consultation with all concerned and regulated so that bamboo resources are optimally harvested and used.

· Where market need exists, limited bamboo shall be harvested from Jhum areas by the respective Village Council/VFDC to meet the local bamboo need and industrial need.

· In place of current system of harvesting of bamboo from forests by Mahaldars, alternate means for harvesting on long-term lease to individuals, community enterprise needs to be explored. A better, effective managemnt system with greater involvement of local communities will be evolved.

Bamboo Regeneration in Natural Bamboo stands:

· Bamboo re-growth and regeneration is not a problem in bamboo brake and open areas; however appropriate management methods shall be evolved and employed to ensure quality bamboo yield, keeping in view the end use need etc.

· Natural bamboo stands shall receive the technical support of Forest and Agriculture Department and available incentives to improve productivity and regeneration of bamboo.

· Of the 20 odd species of bamboo found in the state, about 5 species are found to be commercially significant i.e. Mautak (Mellocana baccifera), Phulrua (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii), Rawnal (D. longispathus), Rawthing (Bambusa tulda) and Rawthing chi (Bambusa, longispiculuta). For edible bamboo shoots, Rawthing, Mautak, Phulrua, Rawnal, Rawmi (Dendrocalamus sikkimmensis) are preferred. However, management and regeneration strategy of natural bamboo stand shall focus on preferred species keeping in view the end use requirement.

Bamboo Plantation Development:

· Approximately 2500 hectare of bamboo plantation will be concurrently created in next 6-7 years essentially to replenish the bamboo resource which will be steeply depleted during gregarious flowering in 2006-07.

· Bamboo plantation raising shall be encouraged and promoted due to their high value, productivity, uniformity of crop, choice of species linked to peoples need and industrial need. Such plantations of selected species shall be raised in private, community and Government sector. The required technical and scientific support and guidance shall be provided by the Forest, Agriculture Department, Financial incentives shall also be given to willing beneficiary families interested in raising bamboo plantations from the State Agriculture, Horticulture, Environment & Forest, Rural Development, Soil Conservation Department through funds from beneficiary oriented schemes. Such willing farmers shall also be granted land lease on specific terms and conditions for raising bamboo plantations in government lands outside Notified Forests.

· Bamboo nurseries shall be established in the Rural Development Blocks with selected species of bamboo and quality seedlings of clonal origin shall be raised for meeting the requirement of bamboo plantations in the region. A central nursery shall cater to the need of several blocks. Modern nursery and plantation technology shall be adopted and technical support and guidance provided to the Bamboo Plantation programme in the districts. Expert advice from National Level Institute like ICFRE, Agriculture Universities, State Forest Research Institute etc. shall be obtained for adoption, dissemination of improved nursery, plantation technology in the state.

· Linkages between Bamboo Plantation Growers and Bamboo Enterprise, Industry and Craft Centres shall be established so that Bamboo Plantations support bamboo trade, bamboo industries and marketing of bamboo produce and products within and outside the state.

· Accessibility and market linkages should be the guiding factors for site selection of bamboo plantations.

· The guidelines and modalities for raising and maintenance of plantations shall be worked out by Environment and Forest Department and would be notified by July, 2002.

Bamboo flowering and strategy to utilize surplus Bamboo before Mautam :

· Fullest possible utilization of bamboo before the Mautam in 2006-07 shall be encouraged and promoted. Scientific harvesting of bamboo inside and outside the Government Forests, Jhum lands shall be encouraged, by granting concessional rates of royalty so that bamboo is harvested and utilized locally for traditional uses including house construction etc. Subject to fulfillment of local need, surplus raw/treated bamboo would be permitted for export under stipulated guidelines till before the gregarious flowering in 2006-07.

· Bamboo harvest and establishment of Bamboo Enterprise, Craft Centres and Bamboo Industries in small and medium industry sector shall be encouraged through incentive framework as per New Industrial Policy of Mizoram, 2000.

· Improved design for house construction, increasing use of improved products from bamboo for Infrastructure development works like constructions, rod laying, retaining walls, Jhum terracing, water harvesting structures and gabions shall be encouraged. Improved design and technology shall be obtained from National and International Institutes to support and maintain such initiatives.

· Bamboo Plantation in Private, Joint Sector shall be encouraged with a view to establish a resource base at the district level to provide raw materials for the established industries in the state so that after the Mautam, the established industries do not suffer from want of sufficient quantity of bamboo.

· A state level rodent control committee has been constituted for evolving a suitable strategy for combating the potential threats posed by the abnormal increase in rat population during Mautam. The Committee will evolve suitable logistical linkages in terms of striking an adequate balance between preventive techniques and damage control exercises.

Bamboo Trade :

· With the policy reform in regard to management, harvesting ,utilization of natural bamboo resources in the State and promoting bamboo plantation development, it is expected that bamboo trade shall receive a fillip. With increased bamboo harvesting before the Mautam and establishment of bamboo industries and with support incentive framework, trade in bamboo and bamboo products within and outside the state shall grow. It shall be the endeavour of the state to promote trade in bamboo and bamboo products among the Mizo people. The bamboo traders shall be organized into trade associations with linkages with bamboo growers and the bamboo processing industries and bamboo exporters to rationalize the bamboo trade practices. Export will be promoted through establishment of Export Promotion Zones as envisaged in the Industrial Policy of Mizoram, 2000.

Bamboo Industries:

· The Bamboo Policy framework shall be encourage and promote establishment of bamboo enterprise and industries in cottage, small and medium industries sectors linked to the need of bamboo produce/products within and outside the state. In the initial stage, many of these industries shall b established based on the Mautak bamboo which will be the major bamboo resource of the state suitable for manufacturing bamboo mat board, chop sticks, bamboo shoots, agarbatti sticks and other handicraft products. The new industrial policy of Mizoram 2000 with its thrust on bamboo industries development and associated incentives and subsidy framework shall encourage establishment of such industries and enterprises. Conjunctively, the bamboo policy shall lay emphasis on adopting and using proven technology suitable for manufacturing improved quality products catering to very specific needs and markets and establishing linkages and outside the state. While simple technologies and manufacturing processes can be adapted by cottage and handicrafts sectors, import of technology shall also be encouraged and adopted in small and medium sector industries to produce quality products for sale within and outside the state and for export purposes. Bamboo mat boards and bamboo ply boards can be promoted as wood substitute for the growing construction needs within and outside the state. This will not only result in a value addition to bamboo products but will also be a wood substitute reducing use of timer within the state. Use of bamboo and bamboo products shall be emphasized in Government constructions where such uses are feasible and incentives shall be given for use of bamboo products in private and community constructions. Standard housing designs for various constructional purposes shall be evolved taking help of national and international expertise available.

· Other industrial use of bamboo is in manufacturing bamboo flooring, bamboo shoot industry and bamboo furniture in conjunction with timber and cane. These sector need adoption of improved technology, standard/improved designs and improved artisan skill which will be actively promoted. Assistance of experts shall be taken in identifying suitable technology, product designs and in imparting training to artisans and craftsmen. Promotion of Bamboo industries would be undertaken by the State Industries Department.

· High value products will necessitate effective and appropriate manufacturing process and market and export linkages. This policy shall encourage joint ventures with entrepreneurs outside the state including foreign enterprises with technology, finance and export linkages. This arrangement will channelise the resources through local traders and manufacturing industries into domestic and international markets earning handsome revenue for the state. Present export policy in agro industry encourages such arrangements which should also be adopted and encouraged for bamboo sector development in the state.

Entrepreneurial development:

· Entrepreneurship will be promoted through organized and volunteered participation of people. The Government shall facilitate the growth of entrepreneurship skills through several means such as education and training, promoting group formation, providing support such as funding, credit, leases, tenurial security and consultation with people’s groups and involving them in management committees.

Market information dissemination:

· Dissemination of information regarding existing markets within and outside the states to the growers, traders, bamboo enterprises, etc. would be done through brochures, involvement of media, IT Network etc.

Research and development:

· Research support for bamboo sector to improve quality, enhance productivity and value of product, sustainable management, conservation of germplasm and diversified products would be promoted through interactive involvement with the National Institute of Bamboo and Rattan Development.

· An interface with research wing of the Mizoram University and technical institute outside the state would be established for problem specific and site specific research regarding bamboo growing, bamboo plantation development, management of natural bamboo stands etc.

Appropriate technology and technology transfer:

· Technology park would be set up to facilitate effective lab to land transfer. Dissemination of technology shall also be through campaigns involving media, exhibitions, demonstration centers, etc.

Human Resource Development:

· Adequate pool of trained manpower needs to be created for bamboo resource development, propagation and supply of high yielding planting material to farmers. Harvesting, management, industrial production, infrastructural uses, marketing and export. Due emphasis would be given to training of personnel within the state. Central Institutions and outside the country.

FUNDING SUPPORT

· Funding support to implement the various policy initiatives enunciated shall be provided from the programme funds of the various development departments. While bamboo resource development within the Notified Forest area shall be supported by bamboo development project under CSS, development of bamboo plantation in agro forestry sector shall be supported from respective programme funds of Agriculture. Horticulture, Rural Development Department. Special programmes to fiancé bamboo plantation in farmer sector shall be prepared for support institutional finance by NABARD and NEDFi. Establishment of craft centers, training of artisans and craftsmen and establishment of cottage and small and medium sector industries can be supported by government subsidies and institutional finance from industrial financing agencies and industrial investors and exporters. Support external funding shall be solicited from UNIDO, UNDP and other international funding agencies for supporting bamboo sector development including bamboo industries in the state.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

State Level Bamboo Coordination Committee:

· The implementation of bamboo policy and bamboo development programmes in the state shall be implemented by a number of development departments. Hence it is necessary to coordinate implementation strategy through an apex body under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Mizoram. A state level bamboo development coordination committee shall be constituted with Commissioners, Secretaries and Head of Departments of line departments and representatives from Trade, Commerce, Industries, Banks, NGOs and farmers with the primary function to review and coordinate implementation of bamboo development programmes in the state.

The State Bamboo Development Agency:

· While the sect oral funding shall be utilized and implemented by various developments to implement and facilitate the special funding arrangement for establishment of bamboo industries, crafts sectors, training and HRD and bamboo plantations to support the industries, a special agency namely Bamboo Development Agency (BDA) shall be established in the state drawing multisectoral experts from various development departments. Bamboo Development Agencies (BDAs) shall report to the State Level Bamboo Coordination Committee and shall be responsible for bamboo development works under their charge.

Screening Committee for Grant of Licenses for Bamboo-based Industries:

· An executive committee consisting of representatives of Departments of Environment & Forests, Industries, Finance, Trade & Commerce & Rural Development and Conservator of Forest, Bamboo Resource Development Wing will scrutinize the applications from entrepreneurs and recommend grant of licenses for various categories of units for final decision by the Bamboo Development Agency. The Screening Committee will verify the availability of raw material, financial position, investment source and the entrepreneurial capability of the applicant and , on merit, recommend grant of Industrial licenses.

Bamboo Resource Development Wing:

· A permanent Bamboo Development Wing will be set up in the Environment & Forest Department in the state by July, 2002. The primary function of the Wing would be resource development and providing technical expertise for conservation and management of bamboos plantation within Notified Forests and Plantations outside. The Bamboo Resource Development Wing will be headed by a Conservator of Forests.

Constitution of Task Force for Fast Track Implementation of Bamboo Development and Harvesting and Utilization before 2007 (i.e. before Mautam):

· A Task Force will be constituted under the Chairmanship of Conservator of Forests of Bamboo Resource Development Wing by July, 2002. It will be dedicated exclusively for formulating a strategy for harvesting and marketing for local industries and export before Mautam i.e. 2006-07. The implementation plan for execution would be formulated by October, 2002.

Bamboo and Rattan Development Institute:

· It is proposed to establish a Bamboo & Rattan Development Institute in the state with support funding by Government of India. The Bamboo Institute, which will cater to the research and development requirement of bamboo development in the state, shall be actively associated with implementation of bamboo development programme.

ACTS AND RULES :

· All the Acts and Rule promulgated in the State and Centre shall be applicable for Bamboo development sector in Mizoram.

ACTION PLAN :

· The policy shall be implemented through appropriate action plan packages and the implementation of programmes shall be monitored from time to time so that policy objectives are achieved.

POLICY REVIEW:

· The policy shall be reviewed periodically so that essential policy directives and imperatives are evolved from time to time.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN BAMBOO IN MIZORAM

1. BAMBOO SECTOR

Mizoram, with an area of 21,090 sq.Km. has an abundant reserve of Bamboo forest covering 12,54,400 ha, contributing to 14% of All India Bamboo Distribution. Bamboo is distributed thoroughly between 400-1520 m altitude. Melocanna baccifera (Mautak) is the major component of bamboo in Mizoram. The total bamboo yield works out to be 32,37,689 MT/Year.

A total of 20 species of bamboo have been recorded in the forest of Mizoram. Out of these species, Melocanna baccifera is the predominant and occupies 95% of the bamboo-afforested land in the State. It is often distributed in tropical and subtropical riverine reserve and valleys and grows profusely in the drainage areas of the Tlawng, Tut, Teirei, Langkaih and Barak rivers in West Aizawl. It is a very versatile species, the culms grow to 20 metres tall and are strong and durable with slender fibres and inconspicuous nodes which Tenders them ideal for house building, weaving, pulping and the production of small softwood products such as incense sticks, chopsticks and toothpicks. The shoots can also be eaten, and are of high quality.

BAMBOO FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

Bamboo In Agriculture : Bamboo pipes are used to irrigate vast tracts of agricultural land in different agro-ecological settings. More than a million bamboo pumps are in current use. Bamboo is also used in making dams, dikes, sluice gates, farm implements, props, stakes, floats fish trap, silk cocoon trays, chicken coops, windbreak barriers and several other articles.

Bamboo In Construction : Bamboo houses are traditional in many countries and shelter 1000 people. It is used for pillars, post, stilts, rafters, roofing, flooring, walling, scaffolding and a host of other purposes. Bamboo's mechanical properties also make it an ideal material for earthquake resistant and emergency housing.

Bamboo In Handicrafts : Bamboo's natural elegance and easy workability make it a choice material for handicrafts. The Chinese manufacture more than 8000 bamboo and rattan items. From buttons to baskets, from lamps to lacquerware, from mats to musical instruments from toys to walking sticks, bamboo can make it all.

Bamboo In Transportation : Bamboo cullms float in water as they are light-weight and the inte odes are filled with air. This properly has been put to use for thousand of years in making rafts, junks and boats, and their masts sail and outriggers. Bamboo is also used in making wagon floor, carts and their hoods, and suspension bridges.

Bamboo In Microenterprises : Microenterprises make extensive use of bamboo in furniture, handmade paper, handlooms, curtains and blinds, toothpicks, chopsticks, incense sticks and various other products. The incense stick industry in India has over 3800 production units that generate nearly US $ 400 million from domestic and export markets.

Bamboo In Industry : Bamboo is an ideal raw material for many industries. The bamboo shoots industry in China earns US $ 130 million per year from exports. About half of India's bamboo consumption is for making paper pulp. Other major uses of bamboo are in the production of rayon, activated charcoal and flooring and panelling products.

BAMBOO GROWING STOCK POSITION: Tree Volume In cub.m/ha

Bamboo (No./ha) Clump

Non-Clump

3397

Bamboo Resources

-16545,48 (000 tones)

Bamboo consumption

- 56,06,000 clumps (14,020 tones)

Surplus

- 3,09,690 tones

Per capita consumption of Bamboo is 4.41 nos. in rural area and 1.81 nos. in urban area.

Number of bamboo species recorded in Mizoram = 23

Melocana baccifera (Mautak) constitute about 95% of the total stock.

AVAILABILITY OF BAMBOO SPECIES IN MIZORAM AND THEIR USES: There are 23 bamboo species available in Mizoram, out of which the following are some of the list of Bamboo species with their uses:

GROUP/SPECIES

LOCAL NAME

Uses

Bambusa tulda Roxb

Rawthing

Wrapping, writing & printing paper, RCC construction, enable

Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro

Rwpui

Paper pulp, building construction, crafting edible

D. hamiltonii Nees & Am

Phulrua

Paper, RCC slabs & poles, basket, mat, furniture, edible

D. longispathus Kurz

Rawnal

Paper, building construction, good quality tooth picks

D. sikkimensis Gamblek

Rawmi

Pulp & paper, posts fencing, edible

D. strictus (Roxb) Nees

Tursing

Paper, construction purposes, furniture

Melocanna baccifera

Mautak

Paper, pulp construction purposes, fencing, edible

Chimonobambusa callosa (Munro) Nakai

Phar

Ornamental, hedges

Schizostachyum dullooa Gamble

Chal

Ceiling, partition wall baskets

S. Polymorphum (Munro) Majumdar

Raw-thla

Woven ware, Rare & basket making etc.

Dinochloa Compactiflonjs (Kurz) McClure

Sairil

Handicraft, typing purposes

Chimonobambusa callosa (Munro) Nakai

Phar

Ornamental hedge

Schizostachyum polymarphum (Munro) Majumdar

Rawthla

Hedge, basket making

Dendraocalamus hookeri ""

Rawlak/

Raw-

khauh

Construction purposes

Mizoram invites prospective private investors and FDI for setting up of industrial units for making bamboo chips, bamboo mat ply, toothpicks, bamboo blinds, chopsticks, incense stick (agarbati) either in Joint Venture with Mizoram Bamboo Development Agency or other with local entrepreneurs.

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