Abstract

Bamboo form an improtant multiple tree species which provide supplementary source of income to the farmers in Kerala. Existence of better marketing conditions offer farmers remunerative prices for their bamboos. The increased farm prices of bamboos are mainly due to, (i) the existence of lesser number of intermediaries, (ii) severe competetion between traders and (iii) steady demand. Growing demand form various sources increased the intensity of depletion of bamboos in the homesteads. The increased prices and marketing advantages are motivating factors for taking up of bamboo cultivation in homesteads and farm lands