Figure 1: Bamboo planted on slopes is important for controlling water regulation and soil erosion

The planting and management of bamboo on the mid elevation slopes is a key component of the production system. Like elsewhere in China, there is high pressure on land resources and the cultivation of bamboo, which can provide both a source of direct nutrition (through bamboo shoots) and income through the sale of shoots and timber, has allowed farmers to become richer without resorting to deforestation or slash-and-burn farming of hillsides. Equitable distribution of forestland ensures that each household owns at least small area of bamboo forest (typically 1 hectare) which provides both income and security. Most farmers derive between 20-40% of their incomes from sales of bamboo products to timber mills and agribusinesses (for shoots). (Ruiz Perez et al. 2004) The relative high value of bamboo farming means that it is often more profitable to other crop production (including rice), and its resilience as a crop means that it is often a more dependable and favored source of income amongst farmers. (Zhu 2008)

Historical development of bamboo farming techniques

Bamboo harvesting in Zhejiang has a long history, and techniques of bamboo farming have been improved over time to raise productivity, whilst retaining sustainable use of resources. The reference to farming techniques for bamboo in Zhejiang and its valued use in products dates back to at least the Han period (206 BCE-220 CE) appearing in ancient texts such as the ErYa (Jiang 2007). Specific techniques for cultivating bamboos have been developed in order to improve and smooth productivity over years, and tailored based upon whether bamboo production is aimed at timber, shoot or dual purpose production.  Techniques include: Selective harvesting based upon age markings, planting areas on ‘on and off’ years to coincide with productive cycle of bamboo, density control, soil tillage and fertilizing, pest and disease control, removing top branches to preventing snow damage etc.

In recent years, the importance of biodiversity and sustainable forestry management practices to the long term health of bamboo forests has become better recognized. The application of SFM to bamboo forests in Anji and Lin’an is being tried in different ways, such as the development of mixed chestnut-bamboo forests in Lin’an, and group certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for Anji’s bamboo forests. (Anji Bamboo Industry Association, pers. comm.)

The development of multiple uses of bamboo to enrich growers

As well as traditional uses such as a source of food and material for construction and weaving, a use has been found for every part of the bamboo plant for creating both utilitarian and artistic products. The potential of productive uses of bamboo is illustrated in Figure 2 below, which highlights the multiple uses from each part of the plant. Much of the growth of the bamboo industry has occurred in the local areas around Anji and Lin’an, forming close linkages between farmers and processors. As well as traditional uses of bamboo, which complement other agricultural activities (such as winnowing baskets, rakes, fishing traps and nets; stakes and panels for building structures), ongoing innovation has led to numerous new products to meet large markets traditionally dominated by wood, as well as new markets specifically for bamboo goods. Through advances in processing technology and by moving up the product value chain, prices and bamboo farmer revenues have kept pace with the rest of China’s economy driving the sustainability of the local economy. Together the bamboo processing industry in Anji provides around 30,000 jobs to local inhabitants, providing an important source of off-farm income (Zhu, 2008).