In Andhra Pradesh, Entrepreneur Makes Lakhs In A Year Through Nilgiri Bamboo Business

Nilgiri bamboo tea is a delicately crafted beverage known for its floral-herbal qualities and striking appearance. With its gentle and fragile nature, it produces a delightful yellowish-green brew characterised by a delicate transparent texture. Upon sipping, a subtle floral aroma greets the senses, leading to a rich and dazzling flavour profile with deep floral tones. This is complemented by a hint of sweet jaggery notes, creating a well-rounded taste experience. Nilgiri bamboo offers more than just tea; it also yields a unique byproduct known as Nilgiri bamboo rice.

Nilgiri bamboo rice serves as a distinctive alternative for various culinary applications, including risotto-style recipes and sushi. Its moist and sticky texture makes it ideal for dishes where adherence is essential, allowing ingredients like vegetables to cling to it effortlessly.

In the Nandikotkur constituency of the Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, a businessman named Ramanjaneyulu has been immersed in the trade of Nilgiri bamboo for the past four decades. Over the years, he has amassed an array of bamboo-related products, including sticks, oil sticks, woven sticks, fishing sticks and more. Ramanjaneyulu reminisces about starting his venture nearly forty years ago with an initial investment of Rs. 3 lakhs. Today, he enjoys a steady income of Rs. 20,000 per month, marking his business as profitable.

To sustain his enterprise, Ramanjaneyulu procures oil firewood and bamboo logs from neighbouring states. These materials are primarily sourced from Hyderabad and Maharashtra and are transported to his location for sale. The transportation costs for one load of firewood from Hyderabad amount to approximately Rs. 3 lakhs, with additional expenses of up to Rs. 25,000 for transportation and porters. Ramanjaneyulu supplies the wood to paper mills and farmers, who utilise bamboo for various purposes, including field ploughing. Additionally, bamboo finds application in constructing temporary structures or pandals for weddings and other family functions.

Through his decades-long dedication to the bamboo trade, Ramanjaneyulu has not only sustained a profitable business but has also contributed to the local economy by supplying essential materials to various industries and communities.