26th October 2019
Topic:- Agriculture.
News:-To boost bamboo cultivation, state to set up the agency, spl zones.
Context:-To boost bamboo cultivation on a commercial level, the state will constitute the State Level Bamboo Development Agency (SLBDA) along with setting up of bamboo economic zones as per industry requirement.
About SLBDA:-
- The state-level Bamboo Board has been constituted as per the guidelines of National Bamboo Mission, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
The objective of SLBDA:-
- The main objective of the board will be to organise base-line survey and feasibility studies in different parts of the state to determine the status of bamboo production, its potential and demand and tailor assistance accordingly.
- A cluster-based market (industry) led approach needs to be adopted for linking of farmers, societies and self-help groups to markets as this will help in enhancing their income and establishing the marketing chain, which is the main hurdle.
Who will head this board?
- The state government today notified the setting up of the Bamboo Development Agency which will be headed by Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture, and will have members from agriculture, horticulture, forest, tribal development, horticulture and rural development departments.
- The board will have a total of 12 members besides the chairman.
How it will work?
- The board would also work towards setting up of Bamboo Economic Zones as per location of the hinterland and industry requirements. It will also prepare a State Level Action Plan in consonance with Mission goals and objectives in close coordination with Bamboo Technical Support Group (BTSG) and oversee its proper implementation.
Uses of Bamboo:-
- Bamboo is used in furniture, medicines, clothing, rugs, toys, musical instruments and bamboo shoots as food.
(Source:- The Tribune)