The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Jessore

An acute shortage of bamboo has been prevailing in the Jessore district for quite sometimes.

The people involved in bamboo-based cottage industry are facing problem due to acute shortage and high price of bamboo in eight Upazilas of the district. The local people said, once a lot of bamboo used to grow in the district fulfilling various needs of the rural people. But the production of bamboo is on the wane. As the owners of bamboo clusters are selling it in huge quantity. At present a medium sized bamboo is selling between Tk 100 & Tk 150.00.

The sources said that the sufferings of the people involved in bamboo-based cottage industry intensified owing to the growing crisis, many of them have already left their occupation. Moreover, construction and reparing of thatched houses in rural areas are being hampered greatly due to the high price of bamboo.

When contacted one sweeper named Kalachand told this Correspondent that his five family members were maintaining their living by making jhury, chai chatai, various flowerdala, flower basket and other items by bamboo, but due to price hike of bamboo they are thinking to leave that paternal profession immediately.