Bamboo Plantation Routine for growers

1. Pre-Planting Planning (0–1 Month Before Planting)

A. Select Bamboo Variety
Choose based on purpose:

• Timber/Industrial: Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa bambos
• Edible Shoots: Dendrocalamus asper
• Ornamental/Small-Scale: Bambusa tulda, Bambusa vulgaris

B. Site Selection

• Soil: Well-drained loamy to sandy loam
• pH: 5.5 – 6.5
• Avoid waterlogged areas
• Ensure full sun exposure

C. Land Preparation

• Clear weeds and debris
• Plough deeply 2–3 times
• Level land or create contour bunds in hilly areas

2. Sourcing & Buying (1 Month Before Planting)

A. Where to Buy

• Local government nurseries (e.g., Forest Dept.)
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
• ICAR & State Agri Universities
• Reputed private nurseries

B. What to Buy

• 1–2 year-old bamboo seedlings
• Tissue culture plants for uniformity (optional)
• Cost: ₹15–₹100 per sapling depending on variety and source

3. Pit Preparation (2–3 Weeks Before Planting)

• Dig pits: 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm
• Spacing:
  • Timber: 5m x 5m (approx. 400 plants/acre)
  • Edible shoots: 4m x 4m
  • Boundary plantation: 1m from fence
• Pit Filling:
  • Mix topsoil with 10–15 kg FYM (farmyard manure) + 100g neem cake + 50g SSP (superphosphate)

4. Planting Time (Best: June–August, Start of Monsoon)

• Place sapling in the center of the pit
• Cover roots with soil, firm it gently
• Water immediately after planting
• Shade with dry leaves or agro-shade nets in hot climates

5. Mulching (Immediately After Planting)

• Use dry leaves, paddy straw, or sugarcane bagasse
• Maintain a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the plant (not touching stem)
• Benefits:
  • Moisture retention
  • Weed control
  • Improved soil temperature

6. Watering Schedule

• Monsoon-planted bamboo: minimal watering
• Post-monsoon:
  • First year: 10–15 L every 7–10 days in dry seasons
  • Second year: reduce frequency
  • Third year onwards: minimal irrigation needed except in drought

7. Fertilization Routine

Organic options: Vermicompost, cow dung slurry, biofertilizers

8. Trimming & Pruning

• Year 1: No pruning unless damaged
• Year 2 onwards:
  • Remove dead/diseased/dry culms in winter
  • Cut branches up to 1–1.5 m to promote vertical growth
  • Use sharp tools, cut at 45° angle

9. Weed Management

• Mulching reduces weed growth
• Manual weeding every 3–4 months
• Avoid chemical herbicides near young plants

10. Pest & Disease Management

11. Harvesting (3–5 Years Onwards)

• Bamboo reaches maturity in 3–4 years
• Harvest only older culms (3+ years)
• Ideal season: Winter (Dec–Feb)
• Use sharp saws to cut at base (~15 cm from ground)
• Don’t cut >25–30% of clumps annually

12. Yield Expectations

Income varies by market price, variety, and management

13. Subsidies & Govt Schemes

• National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
  • Financial support for planting, drip irrigation, and training
• Contact:
  • Local agriculture officer
  • Forest Department
  • NABARD branch

Suggested Annual Calendar