A. S. Bhat

Abstract

Development of forests for industrial purposes, was one of the objects enunciated by the Government of India under the "National Forest Policy Resolution, 1952". Although of late attempts are indeed being made by a few State Governments in this direction, these are far too inadequate to keep pace with the increasing industrial demands. Bamboo, the major long fibred raw material resource for the pulp industry in India, is fast becoming scarce, and as a result, for its collection the Mills often cover, uneconomically long distances adding up to the cost of production of pulp which is considered already too high as compared with the international standards. The raw material requirement of the pulp industry which is about 2.4 million tons per year at present is expected to gradually shoot up to 10 million tons by 1980-81. As against this, it is estimated, that the natural bamboos from the forests, even after judicious management, are not likely to provide more than 2 million tons annually. The magnitude of the problem confronting the pulp industry is thus quite apparent, and unless effective measures are taken up, the industry is destined to stagnate. It is inconceivable that the Government alone would be able to do much in solving this vital problem of raw material scarcity. The situation, therefore, demands co-ordinated efforts both by the industry and the Government to supplement the natural raw material resources, by raising plantations of fast growing pulpable species like the bamboo. Land, Capital, Skill and Labour are the basic requirements for raising a plantation. Although skill and Labour may be presumed to be readily available, the position regarding the Land and Capital needs further investigation.

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A. S. Bhat , M. M. Menon , T. N. Soundararajan , R. L. Bhargava

Abstract

As compared with most of the pulpwoods at present being grpwn extensively, Sesbania Grandijlora appears to be capable of producing at a very short rotation, a much higher cellulosic raw material per unit area of plantation, as evident from the study of locally grown stands and from the pilot introduction trial conducted with this species.The wood has been tested and has been found to be extremely good for semi-chemical pulping, which can be used as a furnish for cheap printing, writing, magazine and news printing papers. The proportions of such a pulp will be in the range of 40-60 per cent admixed with chemical pulp from bamboo. The observations regarding its growth and pulping characteristics noted have prompted under-taking further field trials with this species on an extensive scale.

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