In a recent development, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) introduced a new initiative, Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought (BOLD). The program’s first phase was launched in the village of NichlaMandwa, Udaipur, Rajasthan. KVIC is a statutory body, functioning under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, tasked with the development of Khadi and other rural industries.
About Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought (BOLD)
Under this project, KVIC planted 5000 saplings of unique bamboo species – BambusaTulda and BambusaPolymorpha from Assam – over 16 acres of vacant arid Gram Panchayat land in NichlaMandwa village. It is the inaugural exercise of its kind in India, aiming to generate bamboo-based green sections within arid and semi-arid zones. This record-breaking effort of planting the most significant number of bamboo saplings in a single day at one spot signifies a global achievement for KVIC. The project’s launch aligns with the “Khadi Bamboo Festival”, commemorating 75 years of independence through “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.”
The Significance of Choosing Bamboo
The selection of Bamboo plants for this project has been intentional due to their rapid growth rate; they can be harvested within three years. Additionally, Bamboo is recognized for conserving water and reducing water evaporation from the land surface, a critical attribute for arid and drought-prone regions.
Impact of the Project
This project will significantly impact desertification reduction and provide support for livelihood and multi-disciplinary rural industries. It also contributes towards sustainable development and food security by acting as havens.
Future Expansion
KVIC intends to expand this project to Village Dholera in Ahmedabad district in Gujarat and the Leh-Ladakh region by August this year. The expansion aims to plant a total of 15,000 bamboo saplings before August 2021.
Other Desertification Combat Initiatives
Apart from the BOLD project, several other initiatives have been introduced to combat desertification. These include governmental schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Soil Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PKSY), National Mission for Green India, and ratification of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) by India.