It is an evergreen woody perennial plant which belongs to the family of poaceae. The annual production of bamboo is 3.2 million tonnes and the productivity is 0.13tonnes/acre. In India approximately 125 species are found, from which most of the species are found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Bamboo tree attains the height of 30m and diameter of 25-30cm. The leaves are long, unlimited flowers and small seeds. The weight of 1000 seeds are approximately 10gm.

It is grown in variety of soil ranging from sandy loam to clay loam soil. Avoid cultivation in rocky soil. The pH of the soil ranging between 4.5-6.0 is good for bamboo farming. Its cultivation is possible on land unfit for cultivation.

Thamnocalamus falconeri: Suitable for planting in sloppy, lime stone area, moist areas, and along the bank of river. The plant attains the height of 3.3-6.5m and diameter of 1.5-2.3cm. It is used for making household material, fan, umbrella etc.

For bamboo plantation, plough land and then dug pits of 30cmx30cmx45cm size.

Time of sowing

Spacing

Spacing vary with variety use. For small size bamboo, use spacing of 3mx3m. For medium diameter adopt spacing of 5mx5m. Whereas large diameter bamboo use 7mx7m or 10mx10m spacing.  

Sowing Depth

Sow seeds at depth of 10 - 15cm.

Method of sowing

For sowing use drilling, dibbling or transplanting method.

Seed Rate

Bamboo can be propagated through seeds, or by rhizomes method. 

Nutrient Requirement (gm/plant)

Apply half quantity of fertilizer at start of rainy season. Apply remaining amount of fertilizer two month after first application. 

During the initial years of sowing weeding is necessary. In first two year, weeding operation is done at the end of rainy season or wet weather. Depending upon weed intensity, carry out hand weeding and hoeing. Once the stem gets established, lower down number of weeding operations. Also, mulching is effective way to keep check on it. Mulch crop with 15-20cm depth of hay.  

In nursery, frequent irrigation is needed. Also at time of transplanting irrigate nursery so that seedling get easily uprooted. Avoid heavy irrigation as it is sensitive to water logging. Over irrigation makes tips turn brown. Drip irrigation is also effective way of irrigation.

• Pest and their control:

Termite and grub: If infestation is observed spraying of Chlorpyriphos 20 EC@1ltr  in 150ltr water should be done.

Grasshopper: If infestation is observed spraying of Malathion 50 EC@4ml/ltr of water should be done.

•  Diseases and their control: 

First harvesting should be done after 6 months of sowing. Cuttings can be done annually and upto 50 years. It gives an average yield of 1.2-1.6tonnes/acre as understory in forest and 2-5tonnes/acre from plantations.