The Government of India’s patent office has awarded a patent to the Botanical Survey of India for the development and manufacturing of a “reusable straw” made from Schizostachyum andamanicum, an endemic bamboo species found exclusively in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This bamboo, known for its unique morpho-anatomical structure, has culm internodes that closely resemble modern synthetic drinking straws, making it an ideal eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws. This innovative invention not only promotes sustainability but also offers economic potential, particularly benefiting local farmers and bamboo growers if they scale up the commercial cultivation of this indigenous bamboo species.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Schizostachyum andamanicum: This is an endemic bamboo species native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, characterized by its thin, large, hollow, erect culms with long internodes. It serves as the primary material for the reusable straw.
- Morpho-Anatomical Structure: Refers to the physical and structural characteristics of the bamboo culm internodes that closely resemble those of modern synthetic drinking straws, making them suitable for this innovative use.
- Eco-friendly Alternative: Denotes a product or solution that is environmentally sustainable and less harmful to the planet, such as the reusable bamboo straw as an alternative to single-use plastic straws.
- Botanical Survey of India: This is the organization responsible for the patent and is involved in the scientific study and documentation of the country’s plant wealth. In this case, they patented the reusable straw made from endemic bamboo.
