Udaipur, April 10: Farmers in the Mewar-Wagad region are optimistic about earning good income through bamboo cultivation, thanks to the revival of the ‘National Bamboo Mission’ by the state government. This initiative is promoting bamboo production in Udaipur, Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sirohi, and Salumber districts, opening new avenues for farmers’ income.
Low Cost, Long-term Income Agricultural expert Vijay Kumar Sharma explains that the initial cost of bamboo farming is relatively low. The investment for planting bamboo on one hectare ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh, depending on the species and technique used. Production begins after 4-5 years of planting, and once established, bamboo can yield continuously for 20-25 years.
Potential Earnings On average, 800 to 1,000 bamboo plants can be planted per hectare. Once mature, each plant can produce 8-10 bamboo poles annually.
Total Production: Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 bamboo poles per year
Price per Bamboo Pole: ₹50 to ₹150 (depending on quality and market conditions)
Based on this, farmers could earn between ₹4 lakh to ₹10 lakh annually, resulting in a substantial profit even after expenses.
Increasing Income through Processing If farmers utilize bamboo for products like furniture, incense sticks, handicrafts, or other items instead of selling raw bamboo, their income could increase by 20-30%. The establishment of common facility centers and processing units by the government will further assist in this regard. Under the mission, farmers are being trained in nursery management, planting, harvesting, and marketing, alongside efforts to connect them with markets to ensure fair pricing for their products.
Strengthening the Rural Economy Bamboo cultivation is not only environmentally friendly but also aids in soil conservation and climate balance. Its expansion is expected to create more jobs in the tribal areas of Mewar-Wagad and strengthen the economic condition of farmers. Thus, bamboo farming is poised to become a sustainable and profitable income option for farmers in the Mewar-Wagad region in the coming years.