Economic Analysis of Bamboo Plantation in Three Major Ravine Systems of India

Abstract

Deep and narrow gullies are recommended to be put under permanent vegetation of grasses and trees. The study has recommended bamboo plantation for productive and protective utilization of such degraded lands. Economic analysis has been carried out using data from three major ravine systems, viz. Mahi, Chambal and Yamuna to examine economic viability of plantation under different soil conditions. The analysis has suggested a cash outflow ranging from ` 30,550/ha to ` 48,000/ha from the 7th year onwards to individual stakeholders in the region, in addition to the benefits accrued to society in terms of value of nutrient (` 2125 – 5555/ha) saved through soil conservation and incremental soil carbon build-up (` 41,000/ha) with the recommended harvest practice of harvesting one-third old culms per clump over the life of plantation. The study has suggested that high cost of establishment may be met through financial incentives to the group/ village community on a collective basis and such policy instruments can be converged with land base schemes of central and state governments like MGNREGA or such similar schemes. The large-scale bamboo plantation could be undertaken with assistance from such schemes and the remaining cost of plantation could be met from the group/ village society towards environmental services provided by the locational bamboo ecosystems.