Enhancing rural economy through broom grass cultivation in karbi anglong district of assam

Tiger grass or broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima Roxb: Poaceae), which is locally known as ‘phooljharu’ is one of the major non-timber forest products of North Eastern states and naturally grows in the hilly lands of Karbi Anglong district of Assam as undergrowth. This non-timber forest product of the district collected by the tribal peoples is an important source of income during November — March. But now this forest wealth is depleting gradually due to decline in forest cover, jhum cultivation as well as decline in its natural regeneration. Of late, its cultivation as a cash crop has become popular among the farmers of the North Eastern Hill Region. However, information on economic potentialities, management system, cultivation and domestication is scanty. A study undertaken through field survey on status and potentiality of this cash crop for economic upliftment of the rural people of Karbi Anglong district of Assam found a gross return of Rs 5.21 lakh and a net return of Rs 3.62 lakh from a hectare of land in four years with a B:C ratio of 3.28. The highest yield was recorded in the third year and thereafter declines gradually necessitating its replanting after six years of planting. Broom grass cultivation is a good profitable enterprise especially in hilly areas which can create employment opportunity for both male and female and play a vital role in poverty reduction.