The Hindu Business Line : Kerala to formulate bamboo policy

IN line with the Centre's thrust on development of the bamboo sector in the country, the State Government is framing a bamboo policy that, among other things, aims at sustainable development and utilisation of bamboo resources in the State.

The other objectives of the policy include protection and conservation of biodiversity; promotion of bamboo-based industries at cottage, small, medium and large scale levels; enhancing employment opportunities and livelihood security of the bamboo dependents through assured supply of raw materials and encourage product diversification and value addition in the organised sector.

The Planning Commission had prepared an action plan for the development of the bamboo sector in the county during the Tenth Plan. The plan proposed creation of 8.6 million jobs through bamboo-based programmes to enable 5.01 million families to come out of poverty.

Consequently, the State Government constituted the State Bamboo Mission in 2003. The aim of the mission is to marshal the scattered resources of the State and adopt a focused approach to revitalise the bamboo sector, Mr C.P. John, Member, State Planning Board, told Business Line.

The draft policy prepared by Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) envisages creation of a database by coordinating the activities of the various research institutions dealing with the bamboo sector. A museum to exhibit different bamboo products, culms of various bamboo species, herbarium and publication on bamboo may be established for developing public awareness.

Besides, gene pool areas shall be marked and protected with the participation of stakeholders for future use. Also, incentives may be given by way of awards and soft loans to private cultivators for the conservation of biodiversity.

It has been pointed out that lack of assured supply of raw materials is the major problem for the development of bamboo-based industries in the State. In view of this, the draft policy suggests that the annual supply of bamboo from the forest areas and non-forest areas should be estimated. The existing institutions such as the Bamboo Corporation shall be strengthened to collect the material from non-forest areas and to ensure its regular supply to various stakeholders.

Considering the resource availability, attempts shall be made to reorganise or develop bamboo-based industries at three levels. The first level will comprise cottage units. Here, individual families or neighbourhood groups shall form cottage units and women can play a major role. The panchayats can facilitate raw material procurement and marketing.

The second level will consist of semi-mechanised and small-scale industrial units. The Government shall facilitate by providing single-window clearance and also by procuring loans from financial institutions.

The third level will comprise mechanised units. The prospective entrepreneurs shall take the initiative to set up the units with high investment and even with foreign participation. The Kerala Bureau for Industrial Promotion (K-BIP) can play a major role in facilitating the transfer of technology. And, to start with, bamboo processing zones shall be established, which in turn, may lead to setting up of units in export processing zones.

For skill development, the draft policy proposes roping in design and product development institutions like the National Institute of Design and the Industrial Design Centre (IIT, Mumbai) for providing training to craftsmen.

To implement the various programmes, a Bamboo Development Board may be set up. The major function of the board will be to coordinate the activities of the various agencies concerned and to advise the Government on all matters related to bamboo.

The board will consist of the Industries Minister, Forest Minister, Member of the State Planning Board, Chairman of the Bamboo Mission and secretaries of Industries, Forest, Agriculture, Planning and Science and Technology departments.

The draft also suggests the formation of a Bamboo Promotion Council to be chaired by the Industries Secretary. The council will act as facilitator of various interest groups, prepare an action plan for bamboo promotion, scrutinise and approve bamboo development proposals and monitor the necessary follow-up actions.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page