President has signed an ordinance amending amending the Indian Forest Act in a bid to increase bamboo cultivation in the country.
This would ensure that farmers cultivating bamboo in non-forest areas do not require permits to fell or transport the plant.
The amendment to Section 2(7) of Indian Forest Act, 1927 will encourage bamboo plantation by farmers, which will contribute to doubling farmers income.
Technically, bamboo is a type of grass. However, it is mentioned as a tree under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
India has largest area under bamboo cultivation and is second richest in terms of bamboo genetic resources after China.
India has 19% share of world’s area under bamboo cultivation, its market share in sector is only 6%.
The amendment will unleash the potential of bamboo in terms of rural and national economy apart from ecological benefits.
Bamboo grown in the forest areas will continue to be governed by the provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927.