2008-'09 - Kerala Forest Research Institute

Annual Report 2008-09
30m to 50m x 50m depending upon the age/stocking status of the plots. Observations on
clump diameter on all the clumps, height of selected clumps (i.e., smallest, medium, and
largest of the clumps) and number of culms of different size classes in the selected clumps were
recorded from the sample plots. The status of clumps not selected for detailed observations
on any feature was derived through regression analysis. Girth at breast-height and identity of
the miscellaneous species in the plots were also recorded. Geographical position in terms of
latitude, longitude, and altitude were recorded along with other site features including the
slope of the sample plots. Soil samples were collected from each sample plot using soil augur.
These samples were collected from 0-10 and 10-20 cm depth levels.
The mean clump diameter in the 22 plots ranged from 0.83 m to 3.79 m. The number
of clumps per ha varied from 72 to 444, the number of immature culms per ha varied
from 573 to 1780 and the number of mature culms per ha varied from 818 to 3239. The
average height of the tallest culms varied from 10.1m to 22.5 m.
Human dimensions of Forestry
Role of bamboo in sustainable rural livelihood in South India
In Kerala, the marginalized bamboo dependent (MBDs) communities (Sambava,
Paraya and Kavara) are the socially and economically weaker sections of the society
involved in the unorganized bamboo-based activities. Their production methods
are highly time-consuming laborious. The market prospects of the products made
by the MBDs are not encouraging and this calls for strategic initiatives for their
improvement. A market analysis of the bamboo products highlighted that the
opportunity cost is greater than the earned benefit and the community is under-
Bamboo products
Bamboo artisans at work
paid even during the peak period of sales. Although the MBDs have innate
traditional skills and indigenous knowledge, they are caught in a diminishing
circular flow of development. This sector continues to be of traditional nature.
Consequently the income and employment generated are less/ declining, and thus
Kerala Forest Research Institute
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