Bamboo cultivation: No. of farmers benefiting has doubled

Gandhinagar: The number of farmers benefiting from bamboo cultivation has more than doubled in the past two years, the state government said on Sunday, the eve of World Bamboo Day which observed on September 18 every year.An official statement said that in 2020-21, Gujarat’s bamboo cultivation covered 897 hectares, benefiting 306 farmers. In 2022-23, the crop’s cultivated area increased to 1,226 hectares, supporting 646 beneficiaries. Quoting A P Singh, chief conservator of forests and head of the social forestry department, the statement said that the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) initiated in 2019-20 encourages farmers to engage in bamboo cultivation and form self-help groups. It is aimed at enabling more farmers to participate at a reduced cost and potentially boost their income. NBM facilitates bamboo cultivation using High Density Plantations (HDP) and Block Plantations (BP) models.Bamboo is found in forests of 15 districts of Gujarat, with a more concentrated presence in the southern, central and northern regions. Gujarat’s total bamboo-covered area spans 3,547 square kilometres. In recent years, bamboo forests have emerged in Narmada and Dang districts as well as in Tapi, Surat and Valsad districts of south Gujarat, the statement added. Bamboo, a versatile plant, has a history of being used to reinforce homes and structures dating back to ancient times. It is used widely in crafting wedding pavilions, musical instruments, and home decor. Additionally, bamboo is also used in production of ayurvedic medicines, the statement added.

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Agri mins home district Beed tops in farmer suicides this yr

Beed, a district in Marathwada, has the highest number of farmer suicides in Maharashtra from January to July this year, with 186 cases. The situation is similar in other parts of the region. Critics blame the lack of seriousness and commitment from the authorities, including Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde. The government is accused of ignoring the agrarian crisis and focusing on political issues instead. There are calls for a special financial package and reinstating the loan-waiver scheme to address the issues faced by farmers.

'BJP has failed the nation and betrayed farmers'

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel discusses the upcoming election, BJP's criticism of the opposition alliance, allegations of corruption, the government's welfare record, the pending OBC quota bill, and the impact of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra. Baghel highlights the success of his government's schemes in poverty reduction, farmer support, and job creation. He accuses BJP of defaming the opposition and failing the nation. Baghel also calls for the implementation of OBC reservations and a caste census. He defends the financial viability of Congress schemes and praises Rahul Gandhi's efforts to address people's issues.