FAQ's for Farmer

Why Bambusa bambos?

Bambusa bambos is the world's highest density bamboo. It is the ideal raw material for replacing timber usage across the board. It is the native species of our region and successfully grows in natural climatic conditions with minimum maintenance.

Contract?

The contract is for 40 years. It includes a 3% increment in price every 4 years.

What if someone offers a better price?

Artison expects the terms of the contract to be followed. Thus, if an individual or entity chooses to sell Bambusa bambos to a third party, then the contract with Artison is deemed null and void. We will stop procuring from the individual.

Artison honours its commitment to buy at the rate listed in the contract, even during economic downturns. For example, during COVID years (2020 and 2021), we continued to honour the contract and buy from farmers at the contract rates despite our factory not being operational. This shows our commitment towards our farmers and the contract terms. We expect reciprocal commitment towards Artison.

Where do I get seedlings from?

Artison will provide 1.5-2.0 years old bamboo seedlings to the farmers at nominal fee , once the contract has been signed.

Can I re-sell the seedling?

No, seedlings procured from Artison cannot be resold. Doing so would lead to the termination of our contract. Artison will not work with or procure bamboo from individuals or entities involved in such activity.

How many plants per acre?

With the distance of 15*15 feet 145 plants per acre can be planted. With the distance of 20*20 feet 108 plants per acre can be planted.

Poles per plant?

See Table 1

Why 15 feet distance between bamboo poles?

Every year new shoots will come up from the plant and clums become larger. For the smooth harvesting operation, we need space and also it will aid the bamboo plant in developing properly.

Once a pole is cut, a new pole grows in the adjacent area. Thus, adequate space is needed for the plant to grow for several years.

How much income can be earned?

In one acre of land, with mature and fully grown Bambusa bambos plants, one can earn 1-1.2 lakh per acre.

What does my income per year look like for the 5 years the bamboo pole takes to mature?

Table 1:

1 ACRE ESTIMATED INCOME WITH AGROFORESTRY MODEL FROM BAMBOO (SPACING - 20*20 feet, 108 plants per acre)

YEAR NO. OF POLE HARVESTING YEAR EXPECTED WEIGHT PER POLE E = Return(in Rs)
A B C D (108*B*D*2)= E
1st Plant NIL
2nd Plant NIL
3rd 6-7pole 6th year 30 kg 38,880.00
4th 7-8 pole 7th year 40kg 60,480.00
5th 8-9 pole 8th year 50kg 86,400.00
6th 9-10 pole 9th year 60kg 1,16,640.00
7th 10-11 pole 10th year 65kg 1,40,400.00
8th 10-12 pole 11th year 70kg 1,51,200.00
9th 10-12 pole 12th year 70kg 1,51,200.00
10th 10-12 pole 13th year 70kg 1,51,200.00
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
40th 10-12 pole 45th year 80kg 1,72,800.00

Life of a Bamboo plant?

A Bambusa bambos plant’s life is 70-80 years.

How will I be paid?

Shall be paid as per the contract terms, directly into the related bank account.

WHEN BAMBOO ROOTS GROW OUT, HOW DO I PLANT SHADE LOVING CROPS?

As the bamboo plant continues to grow, the space for planting herbal crops will reduce. However, creeper plants such as blackpepper can be grown, further boosting income.

Water requirement?

An acre's plantation of Bambusa bambos will have just 1/4th of the water requirement of an acre of sugarcane plantation.

We recommend and encourage drip irrigation to be used for the plantation of Bambusa bambos.

5-6 liters of water will be needed weekly during Summer.

Fertilizer usage?

We don't recommend fertilizer usage as we wish to prevent the use of chemicals. But if necessary, we recommend only organic fertilizers.

Water soluble fertilizers?

Yes, water soluble fertilizers can be used. However, fertilizer costs are borne by the farmers.