Bamboo plantation finds place in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: More than 4000 hectare of plantation has been created in Meghalaya under the National Agroforestry and Bamboo Mission(NABM). Officials informed that the National Agroforestry and Bamboo Mission scheme is being implemented in Meghalaya  since 2006-07.
However after 2010-11 for a period of 3 years, the State could not get funds under the scheme but funding has resumed in 2014-15 with a small release of  Rs 96 lakh for the whole state.
“This year we have submitted our proposals and are expecting the sanction under NABM any time,” officials said.  According to officials, under National Bamboo Mission (now renamed as National Agro forestry & Bamboo Mission), the forest department is promoting bamboo plantations in a big way.
Under this scheme, plantations can be created in Forest lands and also in farmers’ lands. Besides, improvement of plantations is also supported and the scheme also supports creation of bamboo nurseries by the department and also by women and farmers.
It may be mentioned that the potential of bamboo plantation is huge in North East including Meghalaya since the state is rich in bamboo bearing forest areas and also in terms of diversity.