Bamboo in the Backyard

Bamboo is one of the three most important and well-distributed naturally occurring plant species of Karnataka; the other two species are teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and sandal (Santalum album L.). While bamboo is fairly abundant in the deciduous forests of the Western Ghats region it can also be found in interior Karnataka as well as in the Eastern Plains. However large-scale utilization of the state’s enormous natural bamboo resources is not feasible in view of certain issues related to policy and management of the forests.In light of the restricted availability of bamboo from the public forests growing bamboo under agroforestry and farm forestry to meet the demands of people and industries assumes significance. The book Bamboo in the Backyard attempts at providing an overview of the bamboo-bearing forests of Karnataka their past working and present status. As its title suggests the book underscores the need to bring bamboo closer to the people. In recent years agroforestry farm forestry and dry-land horticulture have made tremendous strides in Karnataka. Adding bamboo to the list of tree species that are being planted by farmers will add to the plant diversity in their farmlands and aid in enhancing the greenery of the agrarian landscape. Besides supporting and complementing agricultural operations bamboo can contribute significantly to the farmers’ overall income and general welfare.