Bamboo Charcoal

Why in news?

• The Centre has lifted the “export prohibition” on bamboo charcoal to boost the utilization of raw bamboo and support the industry.

Background

• Bamboo is largely used in making Agarbattis wherein up to 16% which is the upper layers of the bamboo is used for manufacturing while the remaining 84% of bamboo goes into waste.
• The waste generated in Agarbatti and bamboo craft industries is not utilized commercially.

What can be done to overcome this problem?

• Bamboo waste can be best utilized by making Bamboo Charcoal which has very limited use within the domestic market, but it is hugely in demand in the international market. 
• Bamboo Charcoal is used for barbeque, soil nutrition and as a raw material for manufacturing activated charcoal. However, the Government of India has prohibited the export of Bamboo Charcoal.

What was the issue then with Bamboo Charcoal?

• In 2017, the Government amended the export policy for bamboo products wherein exports of all the bamboo products were kept in the Open General License (OGL) category and were free to export.
• However, exports of bamboo charcoal, bamboo pulp and unprocessed shoots were put under the prohibited category. 

What has the Government done now?

• The Government of India has lifted the “export prohibition” on bamboo charcoal.
• This move would facilitate optimum utilization of raw bamboo and higher profitability in the Indian bamboo industry.

Benefits associated with bamboo industry:

• Ecological benefits
  • Bamboo conserves water and hence can show a path for the future in the water-stressed districts of our country.
  • It could perform the function of carbon sequestration (Green House Gases) from the atmosphere and thus reduce global warming.
• Economic benefits
  • It contributes significantly to sustainable development and ensuring food security.
  • It can be used as a food, a wood substitute, building and construction material, making handicrafts and paper.
  • It creates self-employment for the farmers, hence leading to an increase in farmer’s income.
  • It is part of the rural economy of many developing countries, including India. Due to its multipronged uses, it is often referred to as poor man’s timber.
• Social Benefits
  • It ensures equity among the rural people as it benefits a large section of women and unemployed people.
  • Bamboo, historically, is mostly grown in tribal areas. Using bamboo can help the tribals connect with the mainstream population and hence be a part of inclusive development.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Forest Rights Act recognises bamboo as a Minor Forest Produce

2. In India, Bamboo are largely used in making Agarbattis

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer