Domestication of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) : a Case of Bamboo Farming in Kheda District, Gujarat, India

The scope for domestication of a NTFP depends upon various factors. Of the several factors, profitability is a major factor for inducing farmers to adopt the NTFP crop. The case study here reveals that profitability of Bamboo is very high and crop is financially feasible even at very high discount rates. This is especially true for Kartus variety and some progressive farmers have already adopted it in Gujarat. In addition to profitability factor, other socioeconomic factors are believed to be favourable to the domestication of Bamboo as an agroforestry crop in the region. Bamboo agroforestry is not yet popular in Gujarat but it holds a better promise. Furthermore, to establish it as an agroforestry crop, more local research is needed; in particular, that related to the agronomical and socio-economic aspects of the crop. The local and international organizations can think of supporting and promoting this venture.