Bamboo cultivation is now becoming a great source of earning for farmers. It is called ‘green gold’, because it is not only beneficial for the environment, but also gives continuous income for a long time in low cost. The special thing is that bamboo cultivation can be easily done on barren and less fertile lands, which can also lead to better use of useless land.
How to cultivate bamboo?
For bamboo cultivation, first bring good types of plants from nursery. Prepare 2 feet deep and wide pits for transplanting. Keep in mind that the soil is not too sandy. Putting organic manure like cow dung or vermi compost in the pits is beneficial. After planting the plants, irrigate the first one month. After this, it is necessary to give regular water for the first two years, especially in summer, irrigate once in 10 to 15 days. Mulching techniques can be adopted to maintain moisture.
Weed control and organic manure from time to time in bamboo cultivation is also necessary. After three months of planting the plant, they start seeing good growth and are ready for harvesting in four years.
How much cost and how much earn?
About 400 saplings can be planted in one acre of land. The price of a plant is an average of Rs 30, that is, the cost of 400 plants will be Rs 12,000. The total cost comes from Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 in the first year, including the pit excavation, fertilizer, irrigation and wages. Under the National Bamboo Mission Scheme of the government, farmers also get subsidy up to 50%, which reduces the cost further.
After four years, the bamboo crop starts earning Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh per acre annually. As the plants grow large, both production and income increase. After 10 to 15 years, farmers can also earn from 15 to 25 lakh rupees per acre. 1500 to 2500 saplings can be planted in one hectare (about 2.5 acres) and it is possible to earn from Rs 3 to 3.5 lakhs annually.
Benefits of bamboo cultivation
There is no need to plant saplings again for many years after working hard in bamboo cultivation.
Even after harvesting, bamboo plants grow again, which keeps getting income every year.
Bamboo demand is constantly increasing in furniture, paper, handicrafts, construction, decorative items and organic clothes.
It prevents soil erosion, helps in water conservation and is also favorable for the environment.
Government assistance
The central and state governments provide subsidy and loan facilities to promote bamboo cultivation. Small farmers can get assistance of up to Rs 120 per plant. Under the National Bamboo Mission, subsidy of up to Rs 50,000 is given, which reduces the cost of farming significantly.
How much is earning
Bamboo cultivation continues for 40 years. It does not require much monitoring. You can earn for years by applying it once. Bamboo cultivation is ideal for farmers who want low cost, low hard work and long -term income.