AGARTALA, April 9 (TIWN): Despite of taking several initiatives by the Central to skill the people of the state in crafting Bamboo products, it seems like ruling Government is least bother to look over the issue of decline in the bamboo cultivation.

Despite of several promises made by the ruling Government to increase the bamboo cultivation in the State, it seems like all the promises has gone to vain.

It is to be mentioned here that huge number of Bamboo buds are sold in vegetable markets has adversely affected the Government plans to increase the area of cultivation under bamboo in the district.

Therefore, it seems like the initiatives claimed to be taken to increase the Bamboo cultivation is going to linger in the pen and papers.

On the other hand, the apathy on the part of the Forest Department to check cutting of bamboo buds and sale in markets is weakening the prospects of high bamboo cultivation in the State.

However, the tribel people use soft bamboo for preparation of basket, mats, and other household items. Due to multiple use of bamboo, its demand has gone up. This has relatively increased the price of bamboo and items prepared by it.

Besides, women sell the bamboo shoots in the market as those are highly demanded.

The bamboo buds are good in taste and there is a great demand in rural as well as urban areas. Despite of several restrictions over the cutting down the bamboo shoots, the sale of it is yet to be curbed.

It is worthy to mention that central has been taking several initiatives to skill people in making bamboo crafts and to employee themselves. On the other hand, the bamboo cultivation is decreasing at high rate.