Spt tests pilot project to replace poppy with bamboo
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Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Apr 22 : In the abundant hills of Senapati district, many have long been ensnared in the web of poppy cultivation—a practice that has brought with it a myriad of challenges. The prevalence of this crop, while a source of quick income for some, has cast a shadow over the community, leading to a cascade of adverse effects that have rippled through the social fabric and the environment alike.
In a noble approach to curb the opium poppy cultivation and replenish the environment, the Forest Department has now launched a pilot project to replace poppy with bamboo groves under the National Bamboo Mission (NBM).
Six locations, namely, Makuilongdi, Kangjang Hill Range, Khabung Hill Range, Kazing Hill Range, Mao Pungdung and Kapao Hill Ranges of Senapati district have been selected for the pilot project.
The Senapati Forest Division, along with civil society organisations and villagers have successfully carried out bamboo rhizome plantation at an area covering 6 hectares at the Kapao Hill Range.
Shanngam S, Divisional Forest Officer, Lolee Leshiini Kriibve Mao, RFO Karong and staff took part in the plantation.
In consonance with the pilot project, awareness was raised about the ill effects of opium poppy on the society, especially on youth and their physical and mental health.
The environmental impact of poppy cultivation has been profound. The slash-and-burn technique often employed to clear land for poppy fields has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and a loss of biodiversity, threatening the very resources upon which communities depend for survival, said the Forest officials. The district Forest Division took up the pilot project to replace poppy fields with bamboo groves with the objectives to address the impacts of poppy cultivation on the society, ecology, and boost the local economy, said the officials.
This project has been taken up as a tangible solution to support farmers of the region financially, added the officials. Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant, renowned for its versatility, strength and eco-friendliness. Every part of bamboo gets utilized. That is why bamboo is aptly known as “poor-man’s timber” and “timber of the 21st century”, said the Forest officials.
The circular and hollow cross-section of bamboo gives it a high strength to weight ratio. It is elastic in comparison to wood. It can be easily cut into required size and split up into strips using household tools. Bamboo culms can be easily stored and transported. It grows fast and matures within 3-4 years. Farmers can earn substantial income by selling them, said the officials.
The Forest officials appreciated the CSOs, villagers and volunteers for their support in carrying out the plantation.
SENAPATI, Apr 22 : In the abundant hills of Senapati district, many have long been ensnared in the web of poppy cultivation—a practice that has brought with it a myriad of challenges. The prevalence of this crop, while a source of quick income for some, has cast a shadow over the community, leading to a cascade of adverse effects that have rippled through the social fabric and the environment alike.
In a noble approach to curb the opium poppy cultivation and replenish the environment, the Forest Department has now launched a pilot project to replace poppy with bamboo groves under the National Bamboo Mission (NBM).
Six locations, namely, Makuilongdi, Kangjang Hill Range, Khabung Hill Range, Kazing Hill Range, Mao Pungdung and Kapao Hill Ranges of Senapati district have been selected for the pilot project.
The Senapati Forest Division, along with civil society organisations and villagers have successfully carried out bamboo rhizome plantation at an area covering 6 hectares at the Kapao Hill Range.
Shanngam S, Divisional Forest Officer, Lolee Leshiini Kriibve Mao, RFO Karong and staff took part in the plantation.
In consonance with the pilot project, awareness was raised about the ill effects of opium poppy on the society, especially on youth and their physical and mental health.
The environmental impact of poppy cultivation has been profound. The slash-and-burn technique often employed to clear land for poppy fields has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and a loss of biodiversity, threatening the very resources upon which communities depend for survival, said the Forest officials. The district Forest Division took up the pilot project to replace poppy fields with bamboo groves with the objectives to address the impacts of poppy cultivation on the society, ecology, and boost the local economy, said the officials.
This project has been taken up as a tangible solution to support farmers of the region financially, added the officials. Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant, renowned for its versatility, strength and eco-friendliness. Every part of bamboo gets utilized. That is why bamboo is aptly known as “poor-man’s timber” and “timber of the 21st century”, said the Forest officials.
The circular and hollow cross-section of bamboo gives it a high strength to weight ratio. It is elastic in comparison to wood. It can be easily cut into required size and split up into strips using household tools. Bamboo culms can be easily stored and transported. It grows fast and matures within 3-4 years. Farmers can earn substantial income by selling them, said the officials.
The Forest officials appreciated the CSOs, villagers and volunteers for their support in carrying out the plantation.