ADDIS ABABA – Amhara State Agriculture Bureau said that lack of latest technologies, skilled manpower and poor supply of highland bamboo have been hindering productivity of the bamboo sector.
Solomon Wondimkun Amhara, Bureau Agriculture and Forest Senior Expert told The Ethiopian Herald that particularly the poor supply of highland bamboo seeds has become a major challenge as it takes fifty years for it to blossom.
“The production of bamboo seeds take a very long time. It requires one to wait for a very long time to collect seeds. It flowers on intervals of 20 to over 100 years and the seeding process lasts five years,” he said.
Besides, planting, harvesting, and processing, bamboo trees production also needs skilled manpower and latest technologies to support it, he added. “Farmers are not accessing seeds easily.”
These challenges are hindering the effort in making bamboo production and processing effective and improve the income of producers and farmers.
According to him, the state covers about 3,084.2 square kilometers of lowland areas with the bamboo plant and is only second to Benshangul Gumuz state.
Since 2011, bamboo plant development has been part of the integrated basin development activities. At various levels, over 5,000 highland bamboo plants have been developed particularly at an individual level, he stated.
As to Solomon, in some areas such as Metema, Jawi and others, deforestation for the purpose of investment or agriculture was practiced and damaged bamboo trees. But in recent years, the bureau is undertaking reforestation activities.
Until now, the bamboo production and processing system remain traditional. In six zonal administrations, efforts have been carried out to modernize the development and production of highland bamboo trees. But, the result has not been encouraging, he added.
In the past, the state has organized training for the youth to help them earn income by modernizing the production process. However, they have not managed to commence production due to lack of technologies and start-up capital, Solomon added.
As the local demand for bamboo products is insignificant, it is also vital to create market linkage and value-chain with industries.
To utilize bamboo, which is dubbed the Green Gold, it is imperative that an institution that specifically deals with bamboos is established, advised the expert. Beside
It is also important to produce skilled manpower. Besides it also requires promotion to boost local consumption, he added.
The Ethiopian Herald May 14/2020
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
