Agri dept: Bamboo is high-value crop

THE Department of Agriculture ( DA) has declared bamboo as a high- value crop as part of efforts to strengthen the promotion of the local bamboo industry.

“We need to bring together efforts in sustaining and making the environment resilient, while at the same time enhancing the economic activities of the sector,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said at a meeting with the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council ( PBIDC) — led by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and House Deputy Speaker Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano of Ilocos Sur — at the department’s main office on Thursday.

During the meeting, Lopez and Savellano — the council’s chairman and vice chairman, respectively — shared updates on the guidelines on the development of commercial bamboo plantations, a draft bill on developing the bamboo industry, and the formulation of technical working groups for bamboo production and marketing.

The DA will hold activities to support the advancement of the industry starting this year, according to Dar.

“With bamboo as a high- value crop, we can undertake various interventions that include basic research, processing and value- adding, and budgetary support, complementing the programs and projects of the PBIDC,” he said.

Dar stressed the need to tap the power of technology to mass- propagate bamboo across the country.

“It would be good if the PBIDC can look at opportunities in providing funding support for bamboo tissue culture to address the lack of planting materials needed to rejuvenate the country’s bamboo industry,” he said.

Last month, the PBIDC said it was looking to convert at least 19,000 hectares of land into bamboo plantations this year, citing the government’s readiness to provide facilities and support for those who wish to venture into bamboo processing.

Dar also stressed the importance of inviting more investors to set up tissue culture facilities and venture into bamboo production and processing.

“Let’s not concentrate on doing it within the government only. If there is a business opportunity, and tissue culture could be one business opportunity for bamboo, then let’s pursue this,” the Agriculture chief said.

“The new strategy is to bring in the private sector and partner with communities and farmers’ groups, so that we can elevate the business and income opportunities for the Philippine bamboo industry,” he added.

Bamboo is a fast- growing plant that takes only three years to mature, compared to 10 to R0 years for trees. It is used in construction, as well as in making furniture and paper, among others.