Jharkhand plans to offer land for Bamboo cultivation

Adhering to the steps taken all over the world, especially the north-eastern India, for Bamboo cultivation, the Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation has submitted a proposal to its State Government for setting up bamboo based industries in Ranchi and Jamshedpur.

The proposal was presented during the Corporation's meeting with the forest and environment minister Harinarayan Rai. According to the proposal, the Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation would plant bamboo worth Rs. 1.9 crore in different parts of the State and establish two units, one in Ranchi and another in Jamshedpur to produce bamboo items. A- per the proposal, initial cost involved for setting up the units is pegged at Rs. 60 lakh. Sources at forest and environment department said the proposal is likely to be approved by the minister by the end of October this year. "Rai responded positively when the Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation managing director J. B. Johar was presenting the proposal", they added. 

Johar admitted that it was for the first time they have presented such a proposal before the State Government. We presented the proposal keeping in mind the employment of local people. In case the proposal is passed and we get financial assistance for the same, many people will get job opportunities in different parts of the state", he added.

Johar further adds that the units in Jamshedpur and Ranchi will be set up on an experimental basis to attract people towards the bamboo industry. However, sources confirmed that the purpose of the units is to make the Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation functional throughout the year. "The Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation becomes almost non-functional after the business of Kendu leaf in summer", sources said. This situation has resulted in an increase of unemployed people in the region. Thus, if work in the field of bamboo starts, the Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation will be practically functional throughout the year and can then cater to the needs of the people by employing them.