Jati Bamboo (Bambusa tulda)

Jati Bamboo (Bambusa tulda) Plant Guide

Local Indian Name:

• Assamese: জাটি বাঁহ (Jati Bah)

• Bengali: বাঁশ (Bash)

• Hindi: तुला बांस (Tula Bans)

• Manipuri: মেখলা (Mekhla)

• Khasi (Meghalaya): Kdait

• Odia: ଟୁଳା ବାଂସ (Tula Bansa)

Scientific Name:

Bambusa tulda

Family:

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Category and Subcategory:

• Category: Perennial, Woody Grass

• Subcategory: Clumping Bamboo

Native Region:

• Native to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.

• Found widely in the Northeastern states of India, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and the Western Ghats.

Introduction

Jati Bamboo (Bambusa tulda), also known as Indian Timber Bamboo, is a fast-growing, medium-sized bamboo species used extensively in construction, paper production, handicrafts, and furniture making. It is known for its straight, strong, and flexible culms (stems), making it a preferred choice for structural uses.

This bamboo species plays a crucial role in rural economies by supporting livelihoods in handicrafts, paper mills, and traditional housing. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and wood.

Importance & Benefits

Economic Benefits:

• Used in paper and pulp industries for high-quality paper production.

• Valued for construction, scaffolding, and furniture making.

• Provides employment for rural artisans and craftsmen.

• High export value in bamboo-based products like mats, baskets, and plywood.

Environmental Benefits:

• Helps in soil conservation and erosion control.

• Absorbs high levels of carbon dioxide, improving air quality.

• Drought-resistant and can grow in degraded lands.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses:

• Tender bamboo shoots are edible and rich in nutrients.

• Used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation and infections.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: 10-20 meters tall.

• Culms (Stems): Straight, greenish-yellow, smooth, and 3-10 cm in diameter.

• Internodes: 30-45 cm long, thick-walled, and durable.

• Leaves: Narrow-lanceolate, bright green, 15-30 cm long.

• Flowers: Rarely flowers; once in its lifetime (gregarious flowering every 30-50 years).

Major Growing Regions in India:

• Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.

Varieties and Cultivars

• Bambusa tulda var. Assamica – Grown widely in Assam for handicrafts.

• Bambusa tulda var. Meghalaya – Preferred for construction and paper production.

• Hybrid Varieties – Developed for higher yield and disease resistance.

Location and Light

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

• Sunlight: Requires full sunlight (6-8 hours per day).

• Elevation: Grows well up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Soil Preparation

• Type: Prefers well-drained sandy loam and alluvial soil.

• pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Soil Enrichment: Add compost, cow dung, and organic fertilizers before planting.

Planting

• Propagation: Through culm cuttings, rhizome division, or tissue culture.

• Best Planting Season: June to August (monsoon season).

• Spacing: 4-6 meters apart for optimal growth.

• Pit Size: 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm, filled with organic matter.

Watering

• Young Plants: Water twice a week for the first 6 months.

• Mature Plants: Drought-resistant, but needs watering once every 10-15 days during dry periods.

• Rainfed Areas: Can survive on natural rainfall.

Pruning

• Purpose: Enhances productivity and controls overcrowding.

• Timing: Best done in winter or post-monsoon season.

• Method: Remove dead, weak, or overgrown culms for better air circulation.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Bamboo Shoot Borer (Omphisa fuscidentalis) – Damages new shoots.

• Aphids and Mealybugs – Suck sap from young shoots and leaves.

Common Diseases:

• Rhizome Rot: Caused by excess moisture.

• Fungal Infections: Leads to yellowing and leaf drop.

Management Practices:

• Organic Methods: Use neem oil spray, cow dung manure, and crop rotation.

• Chemical Control: Apply mild insecticides or fungicides when necessary.

• Preventive Measures: Maintain proper drainage and avoid over-watering.

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature Range: 20°C to 35°C.

• Rainfall: Requires 1,500-2,500 mm annually.

• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels (70-80%).

Propagation

• Culm Cuttings: Most commonly used method; takes 3-4 years to mature.

• Rhizome Division: Ensures faster growth and uniformity.

• Tissue Culture: Used for mass propagation in commercial plantations.

Uses

Industrial & Commercial Uses:

• Paper and Pulp Industry: High-quality fiber for paper production.

• Construction & Scaffolding: Used in bridges, houses, and scaffolding.

• Furniture & Handicrafts: Widely used in bamboo furniture, mats, baskets, and flooring.

• Biofuel & Charcoal: Provides sustainable energy solutions.

Culinary Uses:

• Bamboo Shoots: Used in pickles, curries, and traditional Assamese & Naga dishes.

Environmental & Agricultural Uses:

• Soil Conservation: Prevents soil erosion in hilly areas.

• Windbreak & Shelterbelt: Used in agroforestry to protect crops.

• Carbon Sequestration: Absorbs large amounts of CO₂, improving air quality.

Monetary Benefits

• High Market Demand: Paper mills, furniture industries, and bamboo handicraft markets have increasing demand.

• Income Potential:

  • A well-managed 1-acre bamboo plantation can yield ₹2-5 lakh per year.

  • Raw bamboo poles sell for ₹50-200 per culm, depending on quality.

  • Processed bamboo products fetch higher profits.

• Government Subsidies:

  • Bamboo plantations are promoted under National Bamboo Mission (NBM).

  • Farmers receive financial assistance for bamboo farming.

References:

1. National Bamboo Mission (NBM), Government of India

2. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Reports on Bamboo Cultivation

3. North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) – Bamboo Research

4. State Horticulture Departments on Commercial Bamboo Farming

5. Traditional Knowledge from Indian Farmers & Bamboo-Based Industries

Jati Bamboo (Bambusa tulda) is an economically valuable and ecologically sustainable plant that supports livelihoods, industry, and the environment. With growing global demand, investing in bamboo plantations can be a highly profitable venture for farmers and entrepreneurs.