Scoping and Feasibility Studies of

Bamboo Plantation
for Implementation of REDD+ Activities
in the North Eastern States of India
2020
 Scoping and Feasibility Studies of
Bamboo Plantation
for Implementation of REDD+ Activities
in the North Eastern States of India

2020

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education

(An Autonomous Body of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India)
P.O. New Forest, Dehradun – 248006 (INDIA)
Published by:
Biodiversity and Climate Change Division
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
P.O. New Forest, Dehradun – 248 006 (Uttarakhand), INDIA

Copyright © ICFRE 2020

ISBN: 978-81-949306-1-7

Report Preparation Team:

yy Dr. R.S. Rawat, Scientist ‘D’, Biodiversity and Climate Change Division, ICFRE
yy Dr. Gurveen Arora, Research Associate, Biodiversity and Climate Change Division, ICFRE
yy Sh. Sandeep Yadav, Scientist ‘C’, Forest Research Centre on Bamboo and Rattan, Aizawl
yy Dr. Hansraj, Scientist ‘D’ and Head, Forest Research Centre on Bamboo and Rattan, Aizawl

Citation:
Rawat, R.S., Arora, G., Yadav, S. and Hansraj (2020). Scoping and Feasibility Studies of Bamboo Plantation for Implementation of
REDD+ Activities in the North-Eastern States of India. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, INDIA.
CONTENTS

Acknowledgements iv

Executive Summary v

1 Introduction 01

2 Overview of Bamboo Resources of North Eastern States 05

3 Scoping of bamboo for implementation of REDD+ activities in North-Eastern States 09

3.1 Methodology 10

3.2 Results 10

3.3 Conclusion 15

4 Feasibility of bamboo plantation in implementation of REDD+ activities

in North Eastern States 17

4.1 Methodology 17

4.2 Results 17

4.3 Conclusion 20

References 23

Annexes 25
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
yy Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun
yy International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal
yy Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany
yy Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany
yy Forest Research Centre for Bamboo and Rattan (FRCBR), Aizawl, Mizoram
yy Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mizoram
yy Shri A.S. Rawat, Director General, ICFRE
yy Mr. Anurag Bhardwaj, Director (International Cooperation), ICFRE
yy Mr. V.S. Senthil Kumar, Assistant Director General, Biodiversity and Climate Change Division, ICFRE
yy Dr. Bhaskar Singh Karky, Resource Economist and Programme Coordinator, REDD+ Initiative, ICIMOD
yy Mr. Kai Windhorst, Chief Technical Advisor, GIZ GmbH
yy Mr. Nabin Bhattarai, Forest Landscape Restoration & REDD Research Associate, ICIMOD
yy Scientists and staff of Biodiversity and Climate Change Division, ICFRE
yy Scientists and staff of FRCBR, Aizawl
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Land is source and sink of carbon dioxide due to anthropogenic and

natural drivers. Global models estimate net carbon dioxide emissions
of 5.2 ± 2.6 GtCO2eq yr–1 (likely range) from land use and land-use
change during 2007–2016. Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use
(AFOLU) activities accounted 23% (12.0 ± 2.9 GtCO2eq yr–1) of total net
anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (IPCC, 2019). Reduction
in the emissions from the forest and land use sector is an efficient way
out to stabilize and reduce the further increase of the atmospheric
concentration of CO2 to mitigate the impacts of climate change. REDD+
is an important climate change mitigation mechanism in developing
countries agreed to the Country Parties of UNFCCC. Implementation of
REDD+ activities will provide financial incentives in the form of result-
based payments to the developing countries.
Bamboo is one of the key non-timber forest produces which has huge
potential to provide ecological and socio-economic benefits. It is also
known as “poor man’s timber” which is an impending substitute of
expensive woods. The engineered product of bamboo is a change
agent for poverty alleviation and simultaneously bringing biodiversity
conservation, land restoration apart from carbon sequestration.
Surveys were conducted in the Mamit and Aizawl districts of Mizoram
for understanding the horizon of bamboo functions in terms of its scope
and feasibility in implementation of REDD+ activities. SWOT analysis has
elucidated the scoping of bamboo and feasibility of bamboo plantations
for implementation of REDD+ activities in North Eastern states of India
and emphasized different aspects to bridge the gap between expected
and observed potential of bamboo and realize the opportunity to be
derived from implementation of REDD+ activities. During the survey, it
was found that Melocanna baccifera (locally known as Mautak) is the
most preferred and important bamboo species by villagers of the Mamit
District of Mizoram due to its excellent properties and its availability.
The most common traditional usages of bamboo are flooring in house
construction, mizo hut, reinforced concrete construction, bamboo hut,
drained water harvesting pipe etc. Melocanna baccifera (Mautak),
Melocalamus compactiflorus (Sairil), Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
(Phulrua), Dendrocalamus longispathus (Rawnal) and Bambusa tulda
(Rawthing) are the most preferred species by the artisans in Mizoram
and are commercially important. Moreover, a bamboo policy at national
level needs to be formulated to strengthen the bamboo sector in India.
Among North Eastern States of India, four states viz Assam, Mizoram,
Nagaland and Tripura have formulated their state bamboo policies in
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

2019, 2002, 2004, 2001 respectively for development in terms of economic, social and environmental
of bamboo and enhances the conservation of benefits. The utilization of bamboo resources along
bamboo plantations. In North Eastern states of India, with its sustainable development using scientific
as per three categories of forest cover, the open forest management practices encouraged in all the state
category covers 67771 sq km and contributes 40.53% policies of the four states. This is in well alignment
in total forest cover of North Eastern states of India. with REDD+ mechanism to address the drivers of
The scrub (forest land <10 % canopy density) is 3155 deforestation and forest degradation and parallelly
sq km. The degraded area has shown a cumulative provide green employment with enhanced green
increase of 0.53 million hectare of degradation in seven skills. On the basis of scoping and feasibility studies,
sister states between two time periods (2003-05 and it can be concluded that bamboo plantations have
2011-13) as per Desertification and Land Degradation wide scope in implementation of REDD+ activities
Atlas of India, 2016. This brings a good opportunity in the North Eastern states as bamboo species have
to increase the area under bamboo plantations. potential to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide
The state policies have a common vision with the at the faster rate besides providing the livelihood
objective of realizing the potential of bamboo opportunities to the local communities.

vi
1 INTRODUCTION

Role of forests is irrefutable in climate change mitigation. The

growth of forest resources is an indicator of socio-economic
conditions of forest dependent communities. The design of REDD+
programme has an influential role to play holistically in forest
sector of developing countries. It is considered as an important
mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) aimed at mitigating climate change.
Forest is known to be an important sector to contribute in climate
change mitigation by four ways such as (i) increase in forest area
through reforestation (ii) increase in carbon density of existing
forests at both stand and landscape levels (iii) sustainably managing
forests for harvesting forest products and (iv) reducing emissions
from deforestation and forest degradation (GOFC-GOLD, 2010).
Bamboo is a widely distributed grass in the tropical, subtropical and
temperate climatic domains. According to FAO (2020), 23 countries
indicated that they had bamboo resources out of 132 countries and
total estimated bamboo resources in these countries is estimated to
be 35.0 million hectare, of which 24.9 million hectare (71 percent of
the total bamboo area) is found in Asia. It is not only recognized as
an ideal economic investment but also has an enormous potential
of providing solutions to environmental and socio-economic
problems. It is also known to be fastest growing plant in the world
and covers 16 million hectare in India, and North Eastern states
of India constitutes 32.71% bamboo bearing area (FSI, 2019). Its
biological characteristics make it a perfect tool for solving many
environmental problems, such as erosion control (Austin et al.,
1970) and carbon dioxide sequestration. It has an extensive shallow
rhizome-root system and accumulates leaf mulch which serves as an
efficient agent in preventing soil erosion and conserving moisture,
reinforcement of embankments and drainage channels, etc. Due to
its mechanical properties like strength, light weight and flexibility, it
is preferred as a viable alternative to tropical timbers that typically
supply for the furniture and building materials industries (Ben-
zhi et al., 2005). There are nearly 1500 species under 87 genera
of bamboos growing worldwide, and India is home of about 125
indigenous species and 11 exotic species of bamboo from 23 genera
and is abundantly found in deciduous and semi-evergreen forests of
North Eastern states of India and tropical moist deciduous forests of
Northern and Southern India. The major bamboo genera found in
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

India are Arundinaria, Bambusa, Chimonobambusa, of conversion or getting deforested and has a high
Dendrocalamus, Dinochola, Gigantochola etc. North tendency to be converted into another land use.
Eastern states and West Bengal accounts for more In view of this, bamboo presents a quintessential
than 50% of bamboo resources of the country (ICFRE, alternative to achieve first two activities of REDD+.
2017). Bamboo presents a promising alternative to
products produced by silvicultural forestry (Hunter,
Bamboo holds a fundamental part for the livelihoods
2002). Bamboos have socio-economic and ecological
of people from North Eastern states of India. Its usage
values and its management can provide benefits on
varies from home consumption, as a raw material for
a local, national and global level through livelihood,
household utensils and farm tools to building material
economic and environmental security for many
for shelters, fences, bridges, fish pens, or even water
millions of the rural people (Nath et al., 2009).
pipes. The products of bamboo have high value in use.
Bamboo is considered as fastest growing and high
REDD+ mechanism has been underlined as an yielding plant natural resource. Bamboo provides
effective solution for climate change and widely multiple applications such as vessels, fences, poles,
known for providing mitigation actions. The and musical instruments like flute to food and fodder.
concept of deforestation and forest degradation In addition to this, bamboo ropes, mats, baskets,
was focused more with the development of REDD+ fishing nets, ladders, fans, brooms, lamps, thatching
mechanism. Addressing the drivers of deforestation and roofing, bows and arrows, handicrafts, and
and forest degradation are necessary to support toys are quite common among rural communities.
the emission reducation from deforestation and Moreover, chemical products like beer, energy drink,
forest degradation. REDD+ mechanism also offers air freshener, and deodorizer add value to bamboo
incentives for developing countries to reduce culms. Bamboo has a potential to diversify the
emissions from forested lands and invest in low income of smallholder farmers particularly women
carbon paths to sustainable development (CFI, and provide value addition to bamboo products for
2006). An emerging issue for developing countries is its export at a global level. This can bring resilience
addressing the drivers of the forest degradation than in the livelihoods and ecosystems in India against
deforestation. Moreover, during forest degradation the adverse effects of uncertainty generated due
there is no change in land use but has a high chance to anthropogenic activities and climate change.

2
 INTRODUCTION

Role of Bamboo Plantation in achieving SDGs

Bamboo plantation has a potential in providing ‘bamboos’ (belonging to grass family Poaceae) from
success towards achieving Sustainable Development the earlier definition of trees which included palms,
Goals (SDGs). The contribution of bamboo in achieving stumps, bamboos, brush-wood and canes, thereby
Sustainable Development Goals can be highlighted dispensing with the requirement of felling/ transit
for Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean permit for its economic use by farmers in non-forest
Energy), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), areas.
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal
This amendment will help to encourage bamboo
12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal
plantation and domestic production among farmers
13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).
which will eventually contribute to enhanced
In India, bamboos are widely distributed, especially economic growth, increased green cover as well as
in semi-dry and dry zone along plains and hilly tracts, bring reforms in bamboo sector. This act will help to
usually up to an altitude of 4500 meters. China, use 12.6 million hectares of cultivable waste lands
and Myanmar together constitute ~ 80% world’s by planting suitable bamboo species and hence will
bamboo forest. Although 45% of the world’s bamboo promote income generating opportunities among
production is shared by India, its share in global people especially in north-eastern parts and central
market is only about 4.5% (Mehra and Mehra, 2007). parts of the country. It has also stated that bamboo
North Eastern states of India covering a major portion grown in the forest areas shall continue to be governed
and diversity of bamboo species, and are popularly by the provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927.
also known as “Bamboo Paradise of India” (Goyal and
The major objective behind the amendment is to
Brahma, 2014). Policy based approach is the initiating
promote cultivation of bamboo in non-forest areas
step to identify and break the barrier to uptake the
to achieve twin objectives of increasing the income
utilization of bamboo and realize the benefits derived
of farmers and also increasing the green cover of the
from REDD+ mechanism. Ministry of Environment,
country. The act consolidates the laws relating to
Forests and Climate Change, Government of India on
forests, transportation of forest-produce and the duty
5th January 2018 has amended the Indian Forest Act,
to be imposed on them.
1927 and introduced the Indian Forest (Amendment)
Act, 2017. The act amends section 2, clause (7) of In view of the importance of bamboo sector in India,
the Indian Forest Act, 1927 by omitting the word National Bamboo Mission was launched in 2006-07

3
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

by the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, material, plantation, creation of facilities for collection,
Government of India with the objective to uplift the aggregation, processing marketing, micro, small &
socio-economic condition of the poor villagers by medium enterprises, skill development and brand
introducing large scale bamboo production in rural building initiative in a cluster approach mode. This will
areas so that poor villagers would get direct benefits contribute to doubling of farmers’ income and also
of using the bamboo and its products. Later it was generate more employment opportunities for skilled
subsumed under Mission for Integrated Development and unskilled workers, especially youths in rural areas.
of Horticulture during 2014-15 and continued till 2015- It aims to provide supplement farm incomes to farmers
16. In 2018, a restructured National Agroforestry and and help to build strong linkage between farmers
Bamboo Mission was approved by the Government of (producers) and industry. For sustainable management
India and currently is under implementation. The main of bamboo with all forward and backward linkages,
aim is to support the development of the entire value National Bamboo Policy as an inclusive framework need
chain of the bamboo sector starting from planting to be framed on a national basis.

4
2 OVERVIEW OF BAMBOO RESOURCES
OF NORTH EASTERN STATES
North Eastern states mainly consists of the so-called seven sister states
of India viz Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland and Tripura. Agriculture is the main occupation of the local
community in North Eastern states and practices ‘Jhum or shifting’
cultivation in which they grow cereals, vegetables, and fruits etc. The
forest cover of North Eastern States of India is 1,67,199 sq km and
contributes 65.54% forest cover to geographical area (FSI, 2019). The
open forest category covers 67771 sq km of North Eastern States and
contributes 40.53% in total forest cover of North Eastern states of
India. The scrub (forest land <10 % canopy density) covers an area of
2848 sq km.
North Eastern states of India is geographically nestled in one of the
most biodiversity rich regions of the world and is included in 18 global
biodiversity hotspots. Bamboo is valuable renewable resource which is
referred as 'Green Gold' rather than 'Poor Man's Timber and is found
in plenty with a huge economic potential. North Eastern states of India
are known for its high diversity of bamboo resources. High diversity
of bamboo resource plays a significant role in the food and nutritional
security of the tribal population of North Eastern states of the country
(Solanki et al., 2003).
Bamboo species are fast-growing woody grasses with an extensive
underground network of rhizomes and fibrous roots. The growth form
of bamboo varies from a few centimeters to 35 m height with large,
medium sized to thick, sometimes thin-walled culms. The high growth
rate (30-100 cm daily during the season of growth), which can grow
as tall as 36 m and diameter between 1 and 30 cm, makes it a highly
renewable resource. Due to its high growth rate, it can achieve its full
height in a period of only 2 months with low weight and high strength
properties (Ribeiro et al., 2017). The broad shallow rhizome-root system
and its accumulated leaf mulch make it a splendid material to conserve
soil and retain moisture. It is found to be an excellent source as carbon sink
and effective solution for mitigating climate change (Bhalla et al., 2008).
More than 50% of the bamboo species occur in North Eastern states
of India (Rai and Chauhan, 1998). The maximum number of bamboo
species are found in the deciduous and semi-evergreen forests of the
North Eastern states and the tropical moist deciduous forests of Northern
and Southern India (Loushambam et al., 2017). The North Eastern states
of India harbour nearly 90 species of bamboos out of which 41 species
are endemic (Loushambam et al., 2017). In India, 26 bamboo species are
reported as rare and endangered, out of which 12 species are reported
from North Eastern states (Bahadur and Jain, 1981; Biswas, 1988).
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

North East India is known as Bamboo Queen of India. The Under different bio-climatic regions bamboo species is
bamboo species widely found in the tropical forests of found naturally as well as in cultivated form. Bamboo
North Eastern states are from the genera of Bambusa, dwindles into under shrubs in temperate regions and
Dendrocalamus, Melocana and Neohouzeaua. In the at greater altitudes, some species look almost like
subtropical forests, the bamboo species found belong grasses (Cajee, 2018).
to the genera of Chimonobambusa, Dendrocalamus, North Eastern states has 20.52% of the bamboo
Neohouzeaua, Pseudostachyum, Teinostachyum and bearing area of its geographical area and 38.80%
Thamnocalamus. In temperate type of vegetation equivalent green weight of culms in recorded forest
genera like Arundinaria, Chimonobambusa, area of the country (FSI, 2019). However, the area
Semiarundinaria and Thamnocalamus are found. covered by bamboo in North Eastern states has
Whereas in alpine zone very few genera like decreased from 2011 to 2019 (Figure 1). The status of
Arundinaria, Pleioblastus and Thamnocalamus are bamboo bearing area of North Eastern states for the
found. In the higher altitudes, bamboos are usually year of 2011, 2017 and 2019 are depicted in Figure
found in the moist valleys, sheltered depressions, 2. The details of bamboo bearing area in the North
along streams, moist deciduous forests, wet Eastern states under different classes are given in
temperature forests and alpine coniferous forests. Table 1.

North Eastern states North Eastern states

52362
54810 km2
km2

160037
139577 km2
km2

2011
Rest of States Rest of States 2019

Figure 1. Bamboo bearing area of North Eastern States

Bamboo bearing area (sq km)

Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Mizoram Tripura

Assam Meghalaya Nagaland

North Eastern States of India

(Source: FSI, 2011, 2017, 2019)

Figure 2. Status of bamboo area for the period of 2011, 2017 and 2019

6
 OVERVIEW OF BAMBOO RESOURCES
OF NORTH EASTERN STATES

Table 1. Bamboo bearing area (sq km) under different classes for North Eastern states

[Link]. States Pure Dense Scattered Bamboo present but Regeneration Total bamboo
bamboo clumps completely crop bearing area
hacked
1 Arunachal Pradesh 417 3389 10904 0 271 14981
2 Assam 204 2350 7664 0 307 10525
3 Manipur 0 1383 6862 995 663 9903
4 Meghalaya 140 467 4803 0 0 5410
5 Mizoram 0 1370 2106 0 0 3476
6 Nagaland 227 1137 2730 75 115 4284
7 Tripura 20 617 3146 0 0 3783
Country’s total 4332 30575 102139 8260 14731 166037
(Source: FSI, 2019)

Among North Eastern States, Arunachal Pradesh annual production of bamboo in India about 14.6
(14981 sq km) has the maximum bamboo bearing million tonnes and annual yield varies from 1 to
area followed by Assam (10525 sq km) and minimum 3 tonnes per ha (ICFRE, 2017). As per India State
is found in Mizoram (3476 sq km) in Mizoram (FSI, of Forest Report (FSI, 2019), state wise number of
2019). There was decrease in 1257 sq km observed estimated culms in recorded forest area of north east
between two time period from 2017 to 2019. The states is given in Table 2.

Table 2. Estimated culms (in million) in recorded forest area of north east states of India

[Link]. States Green culms Dry culms Decayed culms Total Total
equivalent
2017 2019 2017 2019 2017 2019 2017 2019
green weight
(000’ tonnes)
1 Arunachal Pradesh 3121 4869 637 512 290 388 4048 5769 27932
2 Assam 1848 3082 387 466 217 281 2452 3829 24064
3 Manipur 1772 843 338 205 230 78 2340 1126 7754
4 Meghalaya 1002 1148 191 188 130 185 1323 1521 12323
5 Mizoram 543 863 103 134 70 77 716 1074 8812
6 Nagaland 985 2289 188 98 128 157 1301 2544 20547
7 Tripura 604 963 115 88 78 59 797 1110 6295
Total of North Eastern States 9875 14057 1959 1691 1143 1225 12977 16973 107727
India’s total 20711 29358 5374 6761 2018 3335 28103 39454 277587
(Source: FSI, 2019)

Utilisation of bamboo as a resource: Bamboo is for manufacturing a wide range of items like furniture,
a versatile plant group in adaptability and utility. trays, baskets, winnows, lampshades, fishnets, flutes,
Bamboo can be used as young as 30 days old bamboo fans, mats, hats, flooring, lanterns, decoration items,
shoots are used as food, shoots between 6-9 months pulp, plywood, activated charcoal, etc. More than
are suitable for basketry, 2-3 years old culms are useful 1,500 products exist, which are known to be made
for laminates and boards and 3-6 years old culms are of bamboo. This brings the demand of bamboo raw
used for construction (Pandey and Shyamasundar, material in small and medium scale enterprises due
2008). It is also used as a raw material for pulp and to ease of production. Utilization of bamboo in North
paper industries, besides providing subsistence and Eastern states of India is given in Table 3.
livelihood to a vast rural population. Bamboos are used
7
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

Table 3. Utilisation of bamboo in North Eastern states of India

[Link]. States Common uses of bamboo species

1. Arunachal Pradesh Construction, scaffolding, fencing, flooring, walling etc, raw material for pulp and paper, food item,
handicrafts, musical instruments furniture, baskets, mats, agricultural implements, weapons.
2. Assam Construction, scaffolding, fencing, flooring, walling, ornamentals, raw material for pulp and
paper, food item, handicrafts, musical instruments furniture, etc.
3. Manipur Construction, scaffolding, fencing, flooring, walling, raw material for pulp and paper, food
item, handicrafts, musical instruments furniture, etc.
4. Meghalaya Construction, scaffolding, fencing, flooring, walling, ornamentals, raw material for pulp and
paper, food item, handicrafts, musical instruments furniture, baskets, mats, water pipes, water
pitchers, food containers.
5. Mizoram Construction, scaffolding, fencing, flooring, walling, raw material for pulp and paper, food
item, handicrafts, musical instruments furniture, etc.
6. Nagaland Construction, scaffolding, fencing, flooring, walling, ornamentals, raw material for pulp and
paper, food item, etc.
7. Tripura Handicrafts, musical instruments furniture, baskets, mats, etc.
(Source: Cajee, 2018)

8
3 SCOPING OF BAMBOO FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES
IN NORTH EASTERN STATES
Bamboo has an extensive commercial use due to its versatile natural
resource. It is used to produce a wide variety of household products and
is also used in construction, agricultural applications, packing industry,
etc. Utilizing bamboo as a source of raw material provide opportunities
for income generation and employment. Apart from this, bamboo sector
has also added up a new dimension through carbon mitigation process
and plays an important role in carbon cycle other than providing food
security. Bamboo-based land use system provides nature-based solutions
to promote judicious land management practices and bring resilience
from climate change impacts. The high annual carbon accumulation
rates (2–14 Mg ha-1 yr-1) suggest the potential for successful carbon
farming using bamboo (Sileshi and Nath, 2017).
Scoping study is designed to understand the potentialities of bamboo
plantations in implementation of REDD+ activities. Field surveys were
conducted in the Mamit district of Mizoram (project area under REDD+
Himalaya Project) which consists of 12 villages. Demographic details of
the project area are given in Table 4.

Table 4. Demographic details of the project area

[Link]. Name of Village No. of Total Male Female

Households Population Population Population
1 Reiek 360 1627 786 841
2 [Link] 109 668 340 328
3 Lengte 88 406 211 195
4 Nghalchawm 60 302 161 141
5 Rulpuihlim 78 392 233 159
6 Chungtlang 54 327 174 153
7 N. Kanghmun 166 858 432 426
8 Khawrihnim 128 789 401 388
9 Ailawng 104 510 267 243
10 Rawpuichhip 241 1244 620 624
11 Tuahzawl 80 381 198 183
12 Hruiduk 115 670 356 314
Total 1583 8174 4179 3995
(Source: Rawat et al., 2017))
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

3.1 Methodology
Scoping study was conducted to determine the scope and for taking up other farming practices etc. to the
of bamboo plantations/ forests in implementation of villagers. They act as a local body which works under
REDD+ activities in project area under Mamit district the guidance of local administration and facilitates to
of Mizoram. All the relevant data were collected on take the voice of the communities to the government.
the pre-tested questionnaire (Annex I) which covered Microsoft excel and Statistical Package for the Social
all the data needed to identify the extent of bamboo Sciences (SPSS) software have been used for the
in implementation of REDD+ activities. Twelve villages analysis of the collected data. Strengths, Weekness,
of the project area were sampled with 100 percent Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis has
sampling and village was taken as sampling unit. This also been done to know the scope of bamboo for
included the personal responses of Village Council implementation of REDD+ activities in North Eastern
on behalf of whole village. Village Council allots land states.
for shifting cultivation, for construction of houses

Figure 3. Map of REDD+ project area highlighting all the villages of Mamit district

3.2 Results
Large extent of Mizoram is covered under bamboo under bamboo forests as compared to other states of
forests. Around 57% of the geographical area of the country. There are 35 different bamboo species
Mizoram is under bamboo cover. The State possesses found in Mizoram (Table 5).
the maximum percentage of its geographical area

Table 5. Bamboo species of Mizoram

Bambusa balcooa B. vulgaris D. longispathus Schizostachyum dullooa

B. bambos B. vulgaris var. vittata D. sikkimensis S. fuchsianum
B. dampeana B. vulgaris var. waminii D. strictus S. mannii

10
 SCOPING OF BAMBOO FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF
REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN NORTH EASTERN STATES

B. mizorameana Dendrocalamus asper Melocalamus compactiflorus S. munroii

B. multiplex D. giganteus Melocanna baccifera S. pergracile
B. nagalandiana D. hamiltonii Neomicrocalamus mannii
B. nutans D. hookeri Phyllostachys edulis
B. tulda D. laetiflorus P. mannii
(Source: [Link] accessed on 25-07-2020)

Out of 35 bamboo species, the survey showed that like in preparation of different types of baskets with
Melocanna baccifera (locally known as Mautak) is different shapes and sizes especially oval, square,
the most preferred and important bamboo species flat etc. People in all villages prefers this species in
and favored by 9 villages out of 12 villages. Details preparation of different household items and carries
of bamboo resources development and its demand is an economic importance.
given in Table 6. Bamboo is one of the oldest building Apart from its most common traditional usage
materials used by mankind in tropical and subtropical as traditional backpack, other different uses in
regions. It has been also processed into an extended villages are also practiced viz., bamboo flooring
diversity of products ranging from domestic household in Nhngalchawm village, house construction in
products such as food containers, skewers, chopsticks, Khawrihnim, N. Kanghmun and Rulpuihlim village,
handicrafts, toys, furniture, flooring, boats, charcoal, Mizo hut in Ailawng village, reinforced concrete
musical instruments etc. Traditional backpack (Em) is construction in Ailawng village, bamboo hut in
the common bamboo made product which is high in Tuahzawl village, drained water harvesting pipe in
demand. M. baccifera is abundantly found in all villages W. Lungdar village.
and is the largest material used for varied purposes

Table 6. List of bamboo species used as a resource in twelve villages of Mamit district

S. Village name Bamboo species grown Most preferable bamboo Main products Bamboo
No species to grow from bamboo products
high in
demand
1. Nhngalchawm Melocanna baccifera (Mautak) Melocanna baccifera Bamboo hut Traditional
Dendrocalamus longispathus (Mautak) (Thlam) back pack
(Rawnal) Dendrocalamus Traditional back (Em)
Bambusa longispiculata longispathus (Rawnal) pack (Em)
(Rawthing)
Schizostachyum dullooa
(Rawthla)
2. Hruiduk Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), Melocanna baccifera Traditional Mizo and
Dendrocalamus longispathus (Mautak) back pack (Em), traditional
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus boundary wall back pack
sikkimensis (Rawmi), (Pal), Partition wall,
Pseudostachyum polymorphum House ceiling
(Chal), Melocalamus
compactiflorus (Sairi)
3. Khawrihnim Melocanna baccifera Melocanna baccifera Traditional Traditional
(Mautak), Dendrocalamus (Mautak) back pack (Em), back pack
longispathus (Rawnal), Bambusa winnowing tray (Em)
longispiculata (Rawthing), (Thlangra), basket
Melocalamus compactiflorus (Kho)
(Sairi), Dendrocalamus
hamiltonii (phulrua)
4. Lengte Melocanna baccifera Melocanna baccifera Traditional back pack Traditional
(Mautak), Dendrocalamus (Mautak), Dendrocalamus (Em), winnowing back pack
longispathus (Rawnal), Bambusa longispathus (Rawnal), tray (Thlangra), rain (Em)
longispiculata (Rawthing) Bambusa longispiculita water harvesting
(Rawthing) (tuidawn)
11
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

S. Village name Bamboo species grown Most preferable bamboo Main products Bamboo
No species to grow from bamboo products
high in
demand
5. N. Kanghmun Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), Melocanna bacciferra Traditional Traditional
Dendrocalamus longispathus (mautak) back pack (Em), back pack
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus winnowing tray (Em),
hamiltonii (phulrua), (Thlangra), basket winnowing
Melocalamus compactiflorus (Kho), boundary tray
(Sairi), Dendrocalamus wall, partition (Thlangra),
sikkimensis (Rawmi), ceiling basket (Kho)
Schizostachyum dulloa
(Raw-thla)
6. Rawpuichhip Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), Melocanna bacciferra Traditional back Traditional
Dendrocalamus longispathus (mautak) pack (Em), crap back pack
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus trap (Ai-wat), (Em)
hamiltonii (phulrua), Bambusa Flooring mat (Pher)
longispiculata (Rawthing),
Melocalamus compactiflorus
(sairil)
7. Tuahzawl Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), Melocanna bacciferra Traditional back Traditional
Dendrocalamus longispathus (mautak) pack (Em), crap back pack in
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus trap (Ai-wat), both big and
hamiltonii (phulrua), Bambusa winnowing tray small sizes
longispiculata (Rawthing), (Thlangra)
Melocalamus compactiflorus
(sairil)
8. Ailawng Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), - Stools Bamboo mat
Dendrocalamus longispathus ply
(Rawnal)
9. Chungtlang Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), - Traditional back -
Dendrocalamus longispathus pack (Em), carp
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus, trap (Aiwat),
hamiltonii (phulrua), Winnowing tray
(Thlangra)
10. Reiek Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), - Stools Bamboo
Dendrocalamus longispathus hat, rice
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus cleaner tray
hamiltonii (phulrua), (Thlangra),
Bambusa tulda (Raw thing), traditional
Cephalostachyum latifolium mizo back
pack (Em)
11. Rulpuihlim Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), Melocanna bacciferra Traditional back Traditional
Dendrocalamus longispathus (mautak) pack (Em), carp back pack
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus trap (Aiwat), (Em)
hamiltonii (phulrua), Bambusa Winnowing tray
tulda (Raw thing) (Thlangra)
12. [Link] Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), Melocanna baccifera Traditional Traditional
Dendrocalamus longispathus (Mautak), Dendrocalamus back pack (Em), back pack
(Rawnal), Dendrocalamus hamiltonii (phulrua) Winnowing (Em)
hamiltonii (phulrua), Bambusa tray (Thlangra),
tulda (Raw thing) boundary wall
(Pal), rain water
harvesting
(Tuidwan)

12
 SCOPING OF BAMBOO FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF
REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN NORTH EASTERN STATES

In the 12 villages of Mamit district, the bamboo is required for personal utilization and remaining
utilized in two forms i.e. shoots and culms or poles. villages are dependent upon the market demand for
The common practice of villagers is to utilize bamboo its harvesting. The villages which are dependent upon
poles/culms for construction material, bamboo market for their bamboo produce are Nhngalchawm,
flooring, Mizo huts, bamboo huts etc. Bamboo as Lengte, N. Kanghmun, Rawpuichhip, Ailawng and
shoots has also been recognized as a valuable and Reiek village. Manual labour are required to harvest
essential commodity by three villages namely Reiek, culms at the rate of 50-100 culms per day.
Ailawng and Nhngalchawm. Bamboo shoots are the SWOT Analysis has also been done to know the
young, immature and tender culms of the bamboo weaknesses and threats to realize and bridge the gap
used for preparing various food items after being between expected and observed potential of bamboo
harvested. During the field survey, it was recorded to derive the opportunity from REDD+ result based
that annual income generated from shoots are high financial incentive (Table 7). Mizoram is part of North
in comparison to poles/culms. The annual income Eastern states and shares the same physiographic
earned from selling bamboo shoots in Ailawng village zone. The benefits and critical knowledge gaps
and Reiek village are INR 3 million and INR 5 million, identified from the results of the study is important to
respectively. Cumulative selling of both bamboo extract the ability of bamboo ecological and economic
shoots and culms have led the annual earnings to INR importance. This includes species specific verifiable
3.2 million in Ailawng village and INR 5.3 million in data for quantifying emission reductions, baseline
Reiek village. Moreover, the harvesting of bamboos is scenarios and reference levels for monitoring and
done when demanded personally and commercially. evaluation of bamboo plantations for implementation
Bamboo grows much faster than any timber species of REDD+ activities. Moreover, the state level bamboo
and requires less intensive management, therefore, specific policy might bring optimal utilization of
it is most suitable species after shifting cultivation. In bamboo resources and also provide the upliftment of
seven villages harvesting is mainly done when bamboo livelihood of people.

Table 7. SWOT Analysis for scoping of bamboo for REDD+ in North Eastern states
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
• High diversity of bamboo species • No Bamboo Policy envisaged at national level
• Favorable environment for bamboo growth and • Low productivity due to lack of scientific management
development (package of practices) of different bamboo species
• Fastest growing woody grass with less production cost • Limited availability of seed and flowering of bamboo
and more employment species and increase in rodent population
• Food and nutritional security • Lack of proper channel of production especially
• Strong indigenous knowledge in production and presence of nurseries, processing and marketing of
consumption of bamboo bamboo species
• It is renewable and sustainable substitute • Lack of skilled manpower
• Low cost option to meet mitigation targets • Lack of capacity building in post-harvest management
including storage and processing facilities and industries
• Improper roads and high transportation cost

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
• Carbon sequestration potential, biodiversity • Shifting cultivation
conservation and land restoration along with enhanced • Poor linkages between production and marketing of
state economy bamboo products
• High market potential including exports • Imbalance between forward and backward linkages in
• Varied uses of bamboo products to improve the socio- bamboo market
economic conditions of people involved • Illegal trading
• Bamboo based agroforestry system especially for jhum • Costly micro propagation techniques to multiply
lands
• Scientific management for low cost quality raw material
for its proliferation

13
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

Scope of bamboo plantations in addressing the Bamboo is known to grow in nutrient poor soils and
drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in has prolific nature in biomass production which is
North Eastern states ideal for regenerating poor soil (Ben-zhi et al., 2005).
According to Desertification and Land Degradation Adaptive capability, nutrient and water conservation
Atlas of India, 2016, changes in desertification of bamboos, enables it as fore-runner species in
and land degradation classes were brought out the restoration of degraded land. The biological
for the time frames 2011-13 and 2003-05. Out of characteristics like fast growing nature with dense
12 categories of degradation defined in the atlas, foliage of bamboos and abundant litter fall makes
vegetation degradation contributes around 88 bamboo suitable for rehabilitation of land. Due to
percent in total degradation for North Eastern states. the presence of intensive root system, bamboos are
An increment of 0.52 mha in vegetation degradation known for rapid colonization in degraded lands and
by seven sister states has been analyzed revealing that able to control the runoff and soil erosion especially
the contribution has increased to 88.87% in 2011- on the hilly slopes of degraded jhum lands. Land
2013 from 87.21% in 2003-05 in total degradation degradation is a complex process and pressure on
consisting of all 12 categories. The contribution land to attain food security and sustain the increasing
of vegetation degradation in total degradation in population pressure. Venkatesh et al., 2005 reported
two time periods for seven sister states is given in that Dendrocalamus giganteus, D. hookerii and
Figure 4. Bambusa nutans found to be the better species for
improving and maintaining the fertility status of acid
soils in the North Eastern Himalayan region.

(TD= Total Degradation, VD= Vegetation Degradation)

Figure 4. Contribution of vegetation degradation in total degradation in two time periods

(201-13 to 2003-05) for seven sister states

Shifting cultivation is one of the common land use and forest degradation in Mizoram (Rawat et al., 2017
system and is known for its indigenous and primitive and ICFRE, 2018). The details of shifting cultivation
practice of cultivation in the states of North Eastern practiced area under each North Eastern states of
India. Initially the shifting cycle was 20 to 30 years India are given in Table 8. Serious depletion of forest
(Singh and Bag, 2002) but due to increase in human resources has occurred in North Eastern States of India
population and increasing pressure on land, shifting and are under tremendous pressure due to shifting
cycle reduced progressively (4-5 years) causing cultivation. Bamboo will pave way for alternatives in
problems of land degradation and threat to ecology of the form of bamboo-based agroforestry system. To
the region (Ramakrishnan, 2003). This has also been extract the full potential of land and maintain it on
reported as one of the major drivers of deforestation sustainable level requires quality planting material

14
 SCOPING OF BAMBOO FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF
REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN NORTH EASTERN STATES

in order to maintain the productivity of land. Since block plantations, wide row intercropping, wind breaks
the viability of bamboo seeds are poor and flowers and miscellaneous systems. However, a standard
gregariously. This demands for mass macro and micro package of practices for cultivation of commercially
propagation of bamboo species, establishment of important bamboo species are unavailable (ICFRE,
modern nurseries of bamboo species, conservation 2017). National Mission on Bamboo Application,
of natural genetic resources of bamboo species and Government of India has identified 19 species as
development of suitable silvicultural interventions for industrially important (ICFRE, 2017). Focus need to
productivity enhancement. be done on research and development in availability
Bamboo based agroforestry has an immense potential of quality planting stocks with trade and transit issues
for resource conservation. It could be categorised to popularize bamboo agroforestry at sustainable
under different agroforestry systems like homesteads, level.

Table 8. Changes in the extent of shifting cultivation in India (2000-2010)

States Shifting Shifting Cultivation Change Percent Decadal

Cultivation (2000) (2010) (km2) change
Arunachal Pradesh 3088.08 1531.46 -1556.62 -50.41
Assam 8391.48 239.56 -8151.92 -97.15
Manipur 12014.06 852.20 -11161.86 -92.91
Meghalaya 2086.77 448.99 -1637.78 -78.48
Mizoram 3761.23 2617.56 -1143.67 -30.41
Nagaland 5224.65 2827.74 -2396.91 -45.88
Tripura 400.88 254.11 -146.77 -36.61
(Source: MoSPI, 2014)

Due to the rapid growth rate and its wide distribution, shoots were measured for these bamboo species.
bamboos have high potential to store substantial The mean value of collar diameter ranged from 0.83-
amounts of carbon. Bamboo species has a pivotal 2.24 cm in Bambusa mizorameana, 1.10-3.83 cm in
role as a carbon sink and thus contributing to climate D. longispathus and 0.35-3.20 cm in D. strictus.
change mitigation (Singnar et al., 2017). Therefore, Height ranged from 8.33-17.83 ft. in B. mizorameana,
bamboos play an important part in biomass production 10.72-20.13 ft. in D. longispathus and 4.75-15.50 ft.
and terrestrial carbon capture in different climate in D. strictus. Number of culms ranged from 11.00-
at a faster rate than other timber species (ICFRE, 18.00 in B. mizorameana, 13-22 in D. longispathus,
2017). Focusing on the relationship between bamboo 4-9 in D. strictus. Number of shoots varied from
and its potential in mitigating climate crisis through 0-4 by three spp. in all treatments. Under both the
biomass production, study was conducted in Forest treatments, variables like collar diameter, height of
Research Centre for Bamboo and Rattan (FRCBR), culms and number of shoots is found maximum in
Aizawl, Mizoram for three species namely Bambusa Dendrocalamus longispathus whereas the maximum
mizorameana, Dendrocalamus longispathus and number of culms was observed by Bambusa
Dendrocalamus strictus in 2017. These species were mizorameana. Between two treatments, organic
planted under two treatments i.e., organic manure and manure had shown significantly (P<0.05) higher
control treatment. The variables like collar diameter performance in all the variables among all the species
(cm) height (m), number of culms and number of than the control treatment.

3.3 Conclusion
Bamboo is a conglomerate of both natural resource and jhum lands. Shifting cultivation is an indigenous and
enterprise that builds a strong relationship in effective primitive practice and forms a prominent land use
REDD+ design. It is known for its short gestation period system in North Eastern states of India. This land use
with high ecological adaptability. Bamboo is also system occupies more than 84% (0.76 mha) of land out
known for its versatility and can be grown on boundary of 0.94 mha of India which includes both current jhum
plantation and forms vital agroforestry component in (53%) and abandoned jhum (47%) (MoRD, 2011) and
15
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

about 0.44 million tribal families are dependent on of bamboo sector in India other than private investors.
this for their livelihood (Yadav 2013) and the forest SWOT Analysis performed based on questionnaire
area affected is 92853 km2 (Verma et al., 2017). This clearly states that capacity building of various
is recognized and categorized as wasteland category stakeholders in management of micro-enterprise
(MoRD, 2011). Bamboos are preferred on jhum lands which includes nursery technologies for cultivation of
as it requires low management practices. The proper various species to value addition bamboo processing
technique followed for its cultivation, management and design technologies is required.
practices and harvesting regimes are lacking. This The developed State REDD+ Action Plan (SRAP) of
requires a proper institutional arrangement along Mizoram has recognized adoption and expansion
with research intervention at every level to attain of hillside settled farming systems. Bamboo based
sustainable management of bamboos to obtain agroforestry system exemplifies and promotes
maximum productivity. This can be achieved by “sustainable cropping pattern and land management”
strategic regulation of bamboo as a resource utilization intervention package documented in SRAP of Mizoram
and maintain its market especially in jhum areas by to implement National REDD+ Strategy at sub national
collaborating with Village Councils to get boom in level. This will enhance the implementation of REDD+
bamboo-based industries, enterprises, handicraft activities and incentivize communities not only for
sector and also for trade and commerce other than reducing deforestation but also for conservation,
ecological importance. sustainable management of forests, and enhancement
An appropriate policy needs to identify communities of forest carbon stocks. Bamboo plays an important
as an important place in encouraging forward and role and integrates well with REDD+ mechanism and
backward linkages and help in accelerating the growth provide both social and environmental benefits.

16
4 FEASIBILITY OF BAMBOO PLANTATION
IN IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+
ACTIVITIES IN NORTH-EASTERN STATES
Bamboo plays an important role both economically and ecologically. It is
one such raw material which has a tremendous potential to give income
generating activities and helps to improve the livelihood of people and
improve rural economy. Therefore, this study is designed to understand
the feasibility of bamboo plantations in implementation of REDD+
activities in the North Eastern states of India.

4.1 Methodology
The study was conducted to determine the feasibility of bamboo
plantations in Aizawl district, Mizoram. All the relevant data collected
on the pre-tested questionnaire (Annex II) which covered all the data
needed to identify the extent of bamboo to integrate in REDD+ activities.
The data was collected from primary sources by visiting the ten randomly
selected artisan/ entrepreneurs families and analyzed in Microsoft excel
and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
Secondary data was also collected from different sources like previous
related research works, statistical data, world bamboo resource reports
and other relevant reports and bamboo resource studies were also
consulted, reviewed and compiled. Strengths, Weekness, Opportunities
and Threats (SWOT) analysis has also been done to determine the
feasibility of bamboo plantations for implementation of REDD+ activities
in North Eastern states

4.2 Results
Bamboos have their multifarious uses which includes poles, paper, pulp,
housing and material for handicrafts besides minor uses such as leaves
for medicinal purposes. Shifting cultivation is a traditional practice and
is passed on generation to generation. It had a deep influence in socio-
culture of Mizo society. Shifting cultivation typically creates a mosaic of
remnant primary forests and successional vegetation ranging from recently
abandoned weedy- herbaceous fallows and bamboo forests to mixed tree
and bamboo late-successional secondary forests (Raman, 1996). The area
under shifting cultivation behaves as source area for bamboo plantations.
District wise distribution of bamboo in Mizoram is given in Table 8.
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

Table 8. District wise distribution of bamboo in Mizoram

District Area Bamboo Area % bamboo area to the % bamboo area to
district area total area
Aizawl 3576.31 927.69 25.94 13.08
Champhai 3185.83 345.68 10.85 4.87
Kolasib 1382.51 661.80 47.87 9.33
Lawngtlai 2557.10 730.79 28.58 10.30
Lunglei 4538.00 1956.59 43.12 27.59
Mamit 3025.75 1598.00 52.81 22.53
Saiha 1399.90 432.04 30.86 6.09
Serchhip 1421.60 439.08 30.89 6.19
Total 21087.00 7091.66 33.63 100
(Source: [Link] accessed on 25-07-2020)

Among 35 bamboo species found in Mizoram, price of the finished products varies and depends
Melocanna baccifera (Mautak), Melocalamus upon bamboo species, processing of bamboo to make
compactiflorus (Sairil), Dendrocalamus hamiltonii final product and demand of the product. Market
(Phulrua), Dendrocalamus longispathus (Rawnal) and price along with its cost of production of the different
Bambusa tulda (Rawthing) are the most preferred finished products made from preferred bamboo
species by the artisans and are recognized as one of species are given in Table 9.
the commercially important bamboo species. The

Table 9. Finished product with the market price from various bamboo species

[Link]. Bamboo species Name of the products Cost of the product Cost of production
(INR) (INR)
1 Melocanna baccifera Decorative head gear 400-600 900-1100
(Vakiria)
Partition wall 3000-4500 7500-8500
Laminated board 3000-5000 8000-10000
Mat 1000-1100 2500-3500
Hand bag 100-200 500-600
2 Dendrocalamus longispathus Traditional earring 50-70 150-200
(bengbeh)
Charcoal 300-400 per bag of charcoal 160-250 per bag
Basket (Thul) 300-500 500-800
Flower vase 100-300 500-1000
Dustbin 200-300 500-600
Traditional backpack (Em) 100-200 600-700
Bamboo flooring 150-250 3000-4000
3 Melocalamus compactiflorus Bracelet (ban-hun) 50-100 100-200
Rice cooker stand 40-80 400-450
Vinegar 200-300 700-1000
Fridge Magnet 50-100 150-250
Plate and bowl 50-100 300-500
Broom sticks 20-30 100-200

18
 FEASIBILITY OF BAMBOO PLANTATION IN IMPLEMENTATION
OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN NORTH-EASTERN STATES

[Link]. Bamboo species Name of the products Cost of the product Cost of production
(INR) (INR)
4 Bambusa longispiculata Vinegar 18000-17000 3500-4500
5 Bambusa tulda Basket (Kho) 30-50 150-200
Tray 80-135 500-750
Coffee cup 5 30
Bamboo vase 400 1500
Bamboo container with 800-1000 4500-6000
trolley
Miniature set of Mizo tool 200-350 1500-1700
6 Cephalostachyum latifolium Traditional earring 5-10 60-70
(bengbeh)
Traditional hat (khumbeu) 300-500 1000-1250
7 Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Vinegar 17500-19000 3500-4500
Mat 1000-1700 2500-3500
Traditional hat gear 80-100 1000-1200
Traditional back pack 100-120 1200-1300
Winnowing tray 50-70 500-750
Traditional earring 5-10 50-75
Flower pot 100-200 350-450

Due to varied finished products & its usage and months of artisans in a year in Aizawl district, the
demand of raw material of different species, the demand of raw material had shown a lot of variation
harvesting age tends to vary which was observed from which varied from 100-500 culms on monthly basis
one to five years of age. The harvesting of bamboo and 80-100 quintal on yearly basis. Highly variable
culms is preferred to be a matured bamboo during market structure of finished bamboo products also
dry season i.e. from the month of October to March influences the amount of raw material purchased by
when the habitat is comparatively drier. The artisans artisans and number of active working months in a
are engaged from two months to round the year for year. The annual income of artisans from selling the
carving a raw material to final product. Artisans from finished bamboo products had shown high variability
villages like Tuikual, Upper Republic, Mission Venge i.e., INR 40,000 to 100,000 per artisan.
hires 2-10 persons on year-round basis for making
The consistency of demand and supply of bamboo
several bamboo products whereas artisans from
raw material depends upon the stable market
village like Chaltlang engages 4-6 persons (generally
structure for bamboo products both at national
family members) for only two months in a year for
and international level. The major strategy is to
making bamboo products.
achieve the production of bamboo products with
In bamboo sector, the people engaged in commercial quality standards/ assurance and branding of supply
activity at a small scale are mostly family members. of quality raw material. This will provide both
The cost of raw material depends upon the availability ecological and economic gain as well as maintain the
of volume and value of bamboo species, market size consistency of the supply of bamboo raw material.
of each species including the finished product, time Further the strength and weaknesses has been
and energy involved in processing of bamboo etc. In elucidated through SWOT analysis and given in
Aizawl district, the cost of bamboo culm varied from Table 10.
INR 16-25 per culm. Due to number of active working

19
 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

Table 10. SWOT Analysis for feasibility of bamboo plantations for REDD+ in North Eastern states

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
• High diversity of bamboo species • Absence of nurseries and consequently good planting
• Naturally favorable environment for bamboo growth and stock
development • No Bamboo Policy envisaged at national level
• Fastest growing woody grass with less production cost • Lack of standard package of practices for each bamboo
and more employment species
• Strong indigenous knowledge in production and • Limited availability of seed due to gregarious flowering
consumption of bamboo and less viability of seed
• It is renewable and sustainable substitute • Lack of quality planting material of commercial species
• Low cost option to meet mitigation targets • Lack of skilled man power and capacity building in post-
• Food and nutritional security harvest management including storage and processing
facilities
• Poor road connectivity with villages and high
transportation cost and therefore lack of access to
market
• Very little equipments present for bamboo processing
and lack of capital intensity
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
• Carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and land • Shifting cultivation
restoration along with enhanced state economy • Poor and imbalance between forward and backward
• High market potential including exports linkages
• Improvement in socio-economic conditions of people • Illegal trading
due to its versatility • Costly micro propagation techniques to multiply
• Bamboo based agroforestry system especially for jhum • Insufficient baseline data
lands
• Unstable market structure
• Scientific management for low cost quality raw material
• Bamboo flowering
for its proliferation

4.3 Conclusion
Bamboo species are an integral part of forests and The ownership structure, tenure system, plantation
carries a huge potential in carbon sequestration area and annual production as a raw material
and storage offering tremendous opportunity for bamboo-based industries need to be studied
for enhancing the ecosystem goods and services simultaneously while formulating the policy. During
including climate change mitigation. Large scale policy making process recognition of bamboo need to
plantations of bamboo species can ensure sustainable be considered as a relevant part to achieve successful
supply of the raw material for industrial requirement implementation of REDD+ activities.
and other uses. Improving silvicultural interventions To promote bamboo cultivation, supply, processing
in both government owned and private lands by and value addition, products manufacturing as well
assisted natural regeneration and enrichment as utilization and marketing in a balanced manner
planting with nursery grown quality planting stocks necessitates policy interventions. In view of this, four
are also required. Moreover, genetic interventions states in seven sister states of India have envisaged a
to obtain promising productive stock by both clonal policy and several provisions have been made under
origin and seed origin which flowers sporadically and the policy which is stated in figure 5.
provide ensured supply of quality seeds. Apart from
technical interventions, basic infrastructure to raise Bamboo can play an important role in implementation
bamboo plantations and processing of raw material to of REDD+ activities. Use of bamboo in agroforestry
attain finished product are also necessary. Moreover, system is one of the climate effective land use which
National Bamboo Policy needs to be formulated for requires a more structured approach to overcome the
the sustainable development of bamboo sector. challenges faced by the North Eastern states of India.

20
 FEASIBILITY OF BAMBOO PLANTATION IN IMPLEMENTATION
OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN NORTH-EASTERN STATES

pre and post harvest management of bamboo

Figure 5. Provisions of bamboo plantations in State Bamboo Policies of seven sister states

In addition to this, bamboos also have several needs to be included in implementation of REDD+
benefits including firewood, construction materials programmes. Integration of bamboo plantation in
and raw materials for handicrafts. If positioned implementation of REDD+ activities is an important
correctly, bamboos also play participatory approach aspect in understanding the role of bamboos in climate
in conservation and restoration through integrated change mitigation and adaptation. The important role
landscape approach and helps in rehabilitation of bamboo within REDD+ mechanism is not only its
of degraded land, protection of watersheds and ability to act as a substitute for non-renewable forest
contribute to conservation of biodiversity etc. It is products but also to enhance the livelihood of local
one of the innovative and upcoming sectors which communities.

21
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24
 ANNEX I

Questionnaire for Collection of Data from Bamboo Cultivators/Growers

Questionnaire No: ............................. Date:.............................................

Village Name:………............................................
Location: Latitude:..….......º…….…’..........” N Longitude…...........º….........’…..........….” E Altitude……………........................
1) Name of the respondent: ………….........................................................…………………Mobile No.……….......……..............
2) Qualification:……………………………………………….........................................................................................................…………………………
3) Age…………………………………………………………...............................................................................................................
4) Gender: M F
5) Professional occupation:
Agriculture/ Farming Business Government Service Other

Information about bamboo cultivation

1. Number and name of bamboo species cultivated/ grown…….............................................................................……
2. Area under bamboo cultivation…………………………………………......................................................................…………….
3. Harvesting age of bamboo and time of harvesting…………...............................................................………………………
4. Most preferable bamboo species for cultivation is………….................................................................................……
5. Why……………………………………………………………….........................................................................................................
6. Is quality planting material of bamboo available? Yes No
7. Are there any bamboo nurseries present near by? Yes No
8. If yes, Name of the Nursery .....................................................................................................................................
9. Have you attended any training on bamboo cultivation or bamboo products making?
Yes No
10. How many small scale/cottage industries are present in the village ……..................................................................
11. Which is the main product made from bamboo (made round the year) ……….........................................................
12. Which bamboo product is in high demand in the market?………………...........................................................…………
13. Quantity (in tonnes) of bamboo is sold as a raw product ........................................................................................
14. Annual income from sale of bamboo .................................……………........................................................................
15. Man days required per year for growing and harvesting of bamboo...................................................................……
16. Any problems faced in bamboo cultivation...............................................................................................................
17. Suggestions for overcoming the problems faced in bamboo cultivation…....................................................…………

Name of the Data Collector ...................................................................... Mobile No. ...................................................

 SCOPING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF BAMBOO PLANTATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF REDD+ ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

ANNEX II

Questionnaire for Collection of Data from Bamboo Artisans or Small Scale/Cottage Industry

Questionnaire No: ........................................................ Date:.............................................

Village Name:…………............................................................................................Latitude:...................……º………’……..” N

Longitude…...........º…............…..’….........….” E Altitude…..............................................

1) Name of the respondent: ……………..............................................………………Mobile No. ……….................………………..

2) Qualification:…………………………………………………......................................................................................................…………………………..

3) Age…………………………………………………...........................................................................................................…………

4) How many artisans or small scale/cottage industries are present in the area.........................................................

5) Number and name(s) of bamboo species are used for making product ……........................................................….

……………………………………………………..........................................................................................................………………

6) Harvesting age of the bamboo used for the product making ………….................................................................……

......................................................................................................……………………………………………………………………….

7) Name of the Bamboo species in highest demand ...................................................................................................

……………………………………………………..........................................................................................................………………

8) How much (in Quintal) bamboo is purchased from cultivators/ growers annually?……..........................................

……………………………………………………..........................................................................................................………………

9) Price of bamboo culms on weight basis………………...............................................................………………………………….

10) Price of different finished products from bamboo...……………..............................................................………………….

Bamboo species Name of the Products Cost of the product Cost of production

11) Annual income from selling finished product………...........................................................................………….............

12) How many months in a year engaged in bamboo products making ........................................................................

13) Number of people engaged .....................…………………………………………....................................................................

14) Any problems faced by artisans or industry in the market………….......................................................................……

……………………………………………………..........................................................................................................………………

15) If yes, specify reason……….......................................................................………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………..........................................................................................................………………
Name of the Data Collector .......................................................................... Mobile No. ................................................

26
 Scoping and Feasibility Studies of
Bamboo Plantation
for Implementation of REDD+ Activities
in the North Eastern States of India
2020