Minister urges states to encourage bamboo cultivation

Bangalore, Mar 15 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Forest and Wildlife S Regupathy today urged the states to encourage bamboo cultivation to provide better livelihood for villagers in the country.

Inaugurating the bamboo exhibition organised by Karnataka Bamboo Development Agency here, he said despite their extensive presence throughout the country, the bamboo has not got the required attention from the authorities concerned.

''However, with increasing awareness on its potential, the bamboo is now getting due attention in the country'', he said.

He said the Centre had launched a 'Bamboo Mission' with a total outlay of Rs 1,500 crore.

Mr Regupathy said the mission's main objective was to increase the plantation of selected species of bamboo on commercial basis through out the country.

The mission was also aimed at popularising bamboo and its products by setting up retail outlets.

Union Minister for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes, in his address, suggested that the forest department should lift the ban on cultivation of bamboo.

''Let there be no restriction on cultivation of bamboo,'' he added.

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