Bamboo Resources in Tripura
Bamboo is one of the major and important natural resources of Tripura. The state sustains tropical moist deciduous forests with patches of forests of evergreen species and a substantial area under bamboo brakes. The climate ranges from moist to humid and annual rainfall varies between 2,250-2,500 mm. At least 19 species of bamboos are commonly found in the State (source: Forest Dept. Tripura). The extent of bamboo bearing area in the forests of the state is 3,246 km².
Utilisation of Bamboo in Tripura
In Tripura, bamboo is utilised for:
- Rural Housing: posts, walls, roof structure, roofing material, scaffolding, fencing and gates (Bari, Barak, Muli, Makal)
- Agricultural implements, baskets, food grain containers rain shields, head gear and other functional products
- Edible shoots for food, particularly amongst tribal communities
- Handicraft items: toys, 'morra', winnowing trays, handfans, mats (Muli, Paora and Mritinga), wall panels, screens (Mritinga, makal), umbrella handles (Muli), fishing rods (Kanak kaich), agarbatti sticks (Paora, Dolu, Barak)
- Supply of raw material to the Panchgram paper mill