Bamboo in Tamil Nadu, India

[Ramesh]

Which are the places that grow bamboo abundantly in tamil nadu?

What are the varieties planted in tamil nadu?

I am new to bamboo - got interested after seeing the situation of this wonderful craft in the newspaper

http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/12/stor...1213730300.htm

This is about a town in south India, where craftsmen who make bamboo baskets are finding it difficult to run their living.

I am interested in doing something to these people, I would like to bring along all intersted people in tamil nadu together - who are intersted in doing work on bamboo - form a forum and work towards improvement of these people. There is no point in waiting for government to carry out steps.

Regards,

Ramesh Manickam

Centroid Creative Hubb
www.centro-id.com

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Ramesh,
India is very rich in diversity of bamboo species, though as often is the case, wealth does not necessarily trickle down to those who work with bamboo.

Here are several links which I hope will at least provide a starting point to investigate which species grow in this area, and other possible candidates for possible introduction depending on their intended use.

(edit: oops ... links now added)

16 Selected Indian Bamboo Species
http://www.bambootech.org/subsubtop....ubname=SPECIES

Bamboo diversity in India
http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/ad871e/ad871e10.htm

Bamboo diversity and conservation in India - Sas Biswas
http://www.ipgri.cgiar.org/publicati...s/572/ch25.htm

Unfortunately, as the article you linked to states ...

... Marketing is another tough task for them. (basket makers)
While middlemen make sizable profit, these poor craftsmen get meagre income.

How do you propose to overcome this dilema?

Mark

[Ramesh]

Originally Posted by Mark Meckes

How do you propose to overcome this dilema?

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the links. These skilled craftsman, are eaten up by middle man since they produce the regular baskets, and in that the margins are usually low.

In addition to the regular basket making, the bamboo products can be made as exclusive designer items - May be if combined with Porcelain (Mix and match of materials) , May be with Stainless steel. The value proposition of the product increases drastically.

The focus on this type of activity should be to ensure that these craftsmen make a good living. The basics should be taken care. If marketing and design teams are tied up to focus on this activity, this could be scaled up.

I am trying to value add to the material, using its uniqeness to raise the value proposition of the end product, and finally the end craftsmen is benifted.

Regards,

Ramesh Manickam

[Ramesh]

Originally Posted by Ramesh

I am trying to value add to the material, using its uniqeness to raise the value proposition of the end product, and finally the end craftsmen is benifted.

Find an interesting article about Bamboo crafts revival.

http://cities.expressindia.com/fulls...?newsid=239463

The marketing for Bamboo products should go on the main stream, more designers to be involved in making New products for the Market with Bamboo.


Regards,
Ramesh Manickam

www.centro-id.com

[Madelaine Plauche]

You might contact MSSRF (www.mssrf.org), an established NGO who operates a network of rural village centers throughout Tamil Nadu. They are connected to agricultural experts across the state who can answer your specific questions about where bamboo is grown and what varieties. Also, if there is a village center nearby, and I do think that there is likely one in Theni, the MSSRF village centers can and do is organize workshops for farmers and artisans looking to secure small loans, organize work cooperatives, and take more control over the economic value their products can bring. MSSRF headquarters are in Chennai in Taramani.

I hope this helps,
Madelaine

[Alagarsamy]

sir
with the active help from Mr Selvam an agri-officer of Sivakasi i am now in the process of establishing Bheema Bamboo ...a Tissue culture variety without thorns. and one feet growth in oneday!!!
so iam at it..
If anybody wish to have Tissue cultured Bamboos pl call me
S.A.Alagarsamy
I can arrange to supply @25 per seedling without transport
S.a.Alagarsamy
www.mgrbiodiesel.com
9884016142
Chennai