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Bamboo Farming: Bamboo cultivation is fast becoming the choice of farmers in Lakhisarai. The government is giving 50% subsidy on planting bamboo on the fields. From this crop which can be grown at low cost and with less effort, farmers can earn Rs 1.5 to 3 lakh annually after 3 to 5 years. A target of 520 plants has been set in the district.
Lakhisarai: Bamboo cultivation in Bihar is becoming increasingly popular among farmers these days. The reason is clearly low cost, very less labour, safe from weather and a crop that provides continuous income for a long time. Lakhisarai district is also moving rapidly in this direction. Farmers of the district can now create a source of additional income by planting bamboo on the edge of their fields, and the government is also giving them great help in this. Let us tell you that to promote bamboo cultivation, the Central Government has started the National Bamboo Mission. Under this mission, farmers are given financial assistance and technical help to plant trees. Let us understand why this scheme is special for Lakhisarai.
According to Lakhisarai District Horticulture Officer Rajeev Ranjan, the government is giving 50 percent subsidy to encourage bamboo cultivation. This is a big relief for the farmers because the total cost per bamboo plant is around ₹ 300. Out of which the government will provide assistance of ₹150. Under this scheme, a target has been set to plant a total of 520 bamboo saplings in the district. Any farmer can apply for at least 10 plants. The grant amount will be given in two phases. Rs 90 per plant in the first year and Rs 60 per plant in the second year. The specialty of bamboo is that this crop remains almost free from the traditional problems of farming. Whatever the quality of the soil, bamboo grows easily. It does not require frequent fertilizer or water. This is the reason why farmers have started seeing it as a crop with ‘less effort, more profit’.
50% government subsidy, low cost and long term income
If we talk about planting bamboo on the ridges of fields in Lakhisarai, then planting bamboo on the ridges also increases the safety of the fields. Apart from this, there is benefit for future use also for sale and domestic use. The Agriculture Department believes that this model can prove to be very convenient for farmers who have limited land as it does not encroach on the main land of the farm. Given the 50% government subsidy, low cost and long-term income, bamboo cultivation has emerged as a strong option for the farmers of Lakhisarai. There may be a big increase in bamboo production in the district in the coming years.
