Authors:Tiwari, B.K; Lynser, M.B; Nongbri, B
Abstract:This paper reviews the status ofknowledge about bamboo resources of Meghalaya and suggests ways to enhance the benefits to the rural poor engaged in production and trade of bamboo in the State. Thirty three species of bamboo belonging to 11 genera are found in Meghalaya. Bamboo forests cover 1,464.68 km'. While most of pure patches of bamboo are found in Garo Hills, in other parts of the State it grows mixed with other trees and in plantations near human habitations. Activities like mat and basket making, extraction of bamboo for sale to paper mills, sale and processing of bamboo shoots, production and sale of bamboo handicrafts provide Iivelihood to a large number of people of the State. About 442 t of fresh bamboo shoots and 39.2 t of fermented bamboo shoots are sold in the State. Bamboo worth Rs. 50 million is sold to the paper mills. Bamboo contributes significantly to the State Government and District Councils by way of royalty. The study reveals that bamboo plays a pivotal role in the socioeconomic and cultural life of the people of the State. While in remote places it provides employment to local people through crafts and production of artifacts; in places connected by motorable roads it is produced for sale as raw material.
Keywords:bamboo shoots; bamboos; handicrafts; non-wood forest products; raw materials; resource conservation; resourc