Enhancing rural economy through broom grass cultivation in karbi anglong district of assam Kalita N.1,*, SMS (Soil Science), Bhuyan S.1, SMS (Extension Education), Nath H.K. Deva1, SMS (Plant Protection), Rongpharpi M.1, Programme Assistant (Agronomy), Amonge P.1, SMS (Agronomy), Basumatary P.1, SMS (Horticulture), Maibangsa S.1, Head 1Krishi Vigyan Kendra (AAU), Karbi Anglong, Diphu-782460, Assam *Corresponding author email id: nilimkalitakvk@gmail.com
Abstract Tiger grass or broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima Roxb: Poaceae), which is locally known as ‘phooljharu’ is one of the major non-timber forest products of North Eastern states and naturally grows in the hilly lands of Karbi Anglong district of Assam as undergrowth. This non-timber forest product of the district collected by the tribal peoples is an important source of income during November — March. But now this forest wealth is depleting gradually due to decline in forest cover, jhum cultivation as well as decline in its natural regeneration. Of late, its cultivation as a cash crop has become popular among the farmers of the North Eastern Hill Region. However, information on economic potentialities, management system, cultivation and domestication is scanty. A study undertaken through field survey on status and potentiality of this cash crop for economic upliftment of the rural people of Karbi Anglong district of Assam found a gross return of Rs 5.21 lakh and a net return of Rs 3.62 lakh from a hectare of land in four years with a B:C ratio of 3.28. The highest yield was recorded in the third year and thereafter declines gradually necessitating its replanting after six years of planting. Broom grass cultivation is a good profitable enterprise especially in hilly areas which can create employment opportunity for both male and female and play a vital role in poverty reduction. Top Keywords Broom grass, Phooljharu, Non-timber forest product, Cash crop, Jhum cultivation. Top |