STAM to conduct research on Bamboo flowering

Aizawl, Nov 27 (UNI) The Mizoram Science Teachers' Association (STAM) has initiated a research project on Bamboo Flowering and its subsequent proliferation of rodents.

The 'rodent mysteries' that revolved around the cyclic bamboo flowering or 'Mautam' urged the need to conduct the research, STAM members said.

The project would be led by principal investigator R Lalengmawia.

Mr Lalengmawia said, '' People who had experienced mautam still find it hard to believe that such a large cultivation of paddies could be destroyed by rats overnight.'' ''There is also a debate over the cycle. While some say it occurs every fifty years, some say it is 48 years,'' he said.

Suspecting an intervention of super natural phenomenon he said STAM would be conducting a chemical analysis on the bamboo fruit to find its contents and how the rodents multiplied abnormally after feeding on it.

'' We will also find different ways to utilise the bamboo fruits,'' he said.

STAM menbers said the preventive measures taken by the state government were unsatisfactory and cautioned them to utilise the Centrally sponsored Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme funds properly.

UNI BB PP KLC1425