Odisha Government to augment Bamboo Productions through RMPs
Bhubaneswar, 24th July: In another step forward for enhancing availability of bamboos in the State, Govt has decided to augment its production through Raw Material Procurers (RMPs). This has been discussed in the Empowered Committee Meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sri Gokul Chandra Pati in Secretariat conference hall today wherein Development Commissioner Sri U.N. Behera outlined the issues for discussion.
Reviewing the progress, Chief Secretary has directed OSFDC to take feedback from the stake holders including the potential RMPs on the dynamics of bamboo cultivation and trading so as to make the interventions more effective. It has been decided that the degraded bamboo forests to the extent of around 5000 sq kms will be rehabilitated or regenerated by Forest Development Corporation during the year 2014-15. Chief Secretary has also directed to involve Vana Sanrakshyana Samities (VSSs) actively in silvicultural operations.
It has been decided to complete all the pre-bidding operations and decide the modalities of working bamboo operations by 15th September, 2015 and start the actual field operation by 1st of October, 2015. The bamboo operations through RMP will be allowed for a period of one rotation i.e. 4 years. It has been targeted to produce 40,000 to 45,000 sale units of bamboo in the State.
The details of the target will be decided after getting feedback from the stake holders and market demand. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests have been advised to set division wise targets for bamboo plantation.
The OFDC has earned good profit from these operations during last 3 year. In the year 2011-12 the Corporation had paid a royalty of Rs.350 lakhs to Govt which increased to Rs.402 lakhs in the year 2012-13. For the year 2013-14 so far OSFDC has already paid Rs 340 lakhs to Govt towards royalty.
It has been decided that working bamoboo forests will be regulated as per provisions of Odisha Forest Produce (Control of Trade) Act and Rules taking in to account the approved working plan for bamboo forest. The sale of bamboo to artisans tenants and for relief will be made by OSFDC through TAAR challan and prevailing practices.
The Additional Chief Secretary Finance Sri R. Balakrishnan, PCCF Sri J.D. Shrama along with senior officers from Odisha Forest Development Corporation participated in discussions.