By Abdul Latheef Naha

Copyright thehindu

As the world prepares to celebrate International Bamboo Day on Thursday (September 18), a passionate advocate from Kalladikode, near here, is championing the plant’s growing significance as a ‘green gold’ in the district.

From environmentalist to bamboo planter, K.C. John’s expertise has made him a much sought-after figure, with people from different States turning to him for bamboo-related advice and support.

Plant it, forget it: that is Mr. John’s mantra for bamboo enthusiasts. According to him, bamboo has immense potential, offering economic gains, aesthetic appeal and environmental advantages.

He said bamboo boasts an astonishing 15,000-plus applications, transforming it into a highly sought-after “green gold”. He was called in by over 25 agencies and individuals from across the country for guidance this year.

Mr. John said that bamboo has innumerable environmental benefits, thanks to its rapid growth. It creates a microclimate and reduces temperatures by 4-5 degrees. Additionally, bamboo helps retain and increase the water table, removes soil toxins and reduces dust pollution by over 80 per cent.

“Latest studies have proved that bamboo is ideal to prevent soil erosion. Bamboo is a carbon sink superstar: one plant absorbs 400 kg of CO2 and releases 300 kg of oxygen yearly, outpacing many plants by producing 35 per cent more oxygen,” said Mr. John.

However, he laments that a State like Kerala could do much better for bamboo cultivation, whose potential remains immense. “With its potential to produce energy, biofuels like ethanol and methanol, and other valuable products, bamboo can spark a thriving new economy,” he said.

On Sunday last, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a mega ethanol production plant using bamboo in Assam. Maharashtra and Assam are currently making strides in leveraging bamboo for sustainable energy production.

Maharashtra and Assam are leading the way in showcasing bamboo’s vast potential as a sustainable resource, driving economic growth, rural development and environmental sustainability across India.

“In fact, we could do a lot with bamboo. I am sure the new generation is going to exploit its potential,” said Mr. John, pointing towards the 36 varieties of bamboos that he cultivates at his house.