Financial Statements and profitability

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Globally, trade in agar-based products is growing rapidly due to their recent adoption as an ingredient in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals sector. In Bangladesh, people living in some north-eastern districts have been engaged in the production, processing and trading of such products for several decades. These practices, which they consider as the lifeblood of their existence, have been inherited from their ancestors. This paper reports a case study carried out in Maulvibazar district exploring the production and marketing, and industry problems, of agar-based enterprises and their potential contribution to socio-economic development. An exploratory survey was undertaken over 30 randomly selected agar-based factories during December 2005–April 2006, with entrepreneurs of the factories personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The majority of the factories of the area were found to depend on local sources of raw materials to produce agar-based products. About 51...

Seed germination and optimum timo of transfer of seecllings of Calamw spp. from seed bed to polyethylene bag were studied. Seeds of C. Iatifolius Roxb. (Bhudum-bet) and C. guruba Buch.-Ham. (Jali-bet) sown under higher temperature (274fq and humidity (90-95/o) showed 42 and 7ll(germiration within 12-31 weeks and #9 weeks respectively. Germination of c. tatifolius seecls increased on removing the scaly epicarp and fleshy sarc()testa manually with ash. Seodlings of C, guruba of one to five weeks ago when transferred from seed bed to polyethylene bag, showed significantly higher height growth up to five months compared to thoss transfeffed subsequently .

Globally, trade in agar-based products is growing rapidly due to their recent adoption as an ingredient in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals sector. In Bangladesh, people living in some northeastern districts have been engaged in the production, processing and trading of such products for several decades. These practices, which they consider as the lifeblood of their existence, have been inherited from their ancestors. This paper reports a case study carried out in Maulvibazar district exploring the production and marketing, and industry problems, of agar-based enterprises and their potential contribution to socioeconomic development. An exploratory survey was undertaken over 30 randomly selected agar-based factories during December 2005-April 2006, with entrepreneurs of the factories personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The majority of the factories of the area were found to depend on local sources of raw materials to produce agar-based products. About 514 full and part-time workers are employed in the factories. Average annual expenditure, revenue and net annual income per factory for three consecutive years 2003-2005 of the study were estimated as Tk 63,980, Tk 111,414 and Tk 47,435, respectively, being highest where attar (agar oil) of superior grade was produced for export. There appears to be a sustainable source of raw materials, availability of technical and financial assistance and opportunity for expansion of market facilities to secure the maximum benefit achievable from this highly promising industry.

This paper focuses on the husbandry of rattan, its processing, marketing and potentialities of raising the household income of the growers in the oodplain area of Bangladesh. The survey reveals that almost all the clumps (98%) are located in the pond and ditch site and around half of the clumps (48%) are found in the western site of the homesteads. Planting materials used for propagation are suckers and seeds, which are not bought from the market; rather, growers themselves supplied 72% from own source and the remaining 28% comes from neighbours and wildlings. All categorized growers, except the medium and large ones, tend the clumps where female and children were the majority (84%) of the labour force. All the growers, except the medium and large ones, are found to harvest rattan all the year round, while 82% of the growers maintain a three-year rotation. The contribution of rattan husbandry is on an average Tk. 1883 (about USD 32) per household per annum. It has been found that all of the landless and marginal growers (100%) market rattan by themselves, while all of the large category growers (100%) market rattan through middlemen.

Bangladesh is a developing country having diversified environmental issues especially in the city area. The present study was conducted in Sylhet City Corporation; one of the rapidly developing urban areas in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh to identify the main environmental problems due to rapidly increase population, unplanned urbanization and hill cutting. The major environmental problems in the city are traffic obstruction, inappropriate solid waste disposal system, inadequate water supply, water logging state, hill cutting, chance of seismicity, etc. The nature and life style of Sylhet intimately related with the hills are thus under the threat of a drastic imbalance in its ecosystem. This study also investigates the causes of hill cutting along with its probable impact on environment such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, ecological imbalance and climatic change, chances of earthquake will increase, destroying natural beauty, soil erosion and landslide, etc. Sylhe...

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Performance of financial organization is relying on the cost information available in relation to profits generated by the firm, the development of financial sectors has significant contribution to the overall economic status of country as well as societies. The commercial banks in Tanzania like the rest of African Countries has faced several barriers in past few years which results to some of banks to close operations or merged to other financial institutions. Most of those business barriers has been causes by failure of financial institutions to incorporate reliable, relevance and timely information about portfolio cost and profitably in decision making. therefore studying CMPA on banks financial performance is an interesting area towards better financial performance among commercial banks in least developing countries

Trials were conducted in the rural homesteads to assess the propagation and growth performance of Calamus tenuis (jali bet) planted in the year 2010 and 2011 at 5 different sites, namely Char Kukri-Mukri (Bhola), Rangabali (Patuakhali), Char Osman (Noakhali), Sitakundu (Chittagong) and Kolatoli (Cox's Bazar) in the coastal belt of Bangladesh. Data on survival, stem height, diameter, shoot production etc. were recorded from 4.5 years old and 3.5 years old two trial plantations. Result showed that the significantly greater stem height was recorded of 13.03m at Rangabali, greater diameter was 1.53cm at Cox's Bazar and the greater number of shoots per clump was 27.45 at Char Kukri-Mukri site at the age of 4.5 years raised in 2010. In another experiment raised in 2011, the significantly greater height was 14.44m and the greater number of shoots produced per clump was 19.40 recorded from Rangabali site at the age of 3.5 years. The luxuriant stem growth was recorded from Char Kukri-Mukri and Rangabali areas and it was grown up to 21.15m and 20.0m respectively at the age of 4.5 years after planting. Therefore, this species can be planted in the coastal homesteads at wider scale for sustainable production of rattan (i.e., species of flexible palms in the tribe Calameae; an important non-timber mainly used for making baskets and furniture) resources in Bangladesh.

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Globally, trade in agar-based products is growing rapidly due to their recent adoption as an ingredient in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals sector. In Bangladesh, people living in some northeastern districts have been engaged in the production, processing and trading of such products for several decades. These practices, which they consider as the lifeblood of their existence, have been inherited from their ancestors. This paper reports a case study carried out in Maulvibazar district exploring the production and marketing, and industry problems, of agar-based enterprises and their potential contribution to socioeconomic development. An exploratory survey was undertaken over 30 randomly selected agar-based factories during December 2005-April 2006, with entrepreneurs of the factories personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The majority of the factories of the area were found to depend on local sources of raw materials to produce agar-based products. About 514 full and part-time workers are employed in the factories. Average annual expenditure, revenue and net annual income per factory for three consecutive years 2003-2005 of the study were estimated as Tk 63,980, Tk 111,414 and Tk 47,435, respectively, being highest where attar (agar oil) of superior grade was produced for export. There appears to be a sustainable source of raw materials, availability of technical and financial assistance and opportunity for expansion of market facilities to secure the maximum benefit achievable from this highly promising industry.

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Trials were conducted in the rural homesteads to assess the propagation and growth performance of Calamus tenuis (jali bet) planted in the year 2010 and 2011 at 5 different sites, namely Char Kukri-Mukri (Bhola), Rangabali (Patuakhali), Char Osman (Noakhali), Sitakundu (Chittagong) and Kolatoli (Cox’s Bazar) in the coastal belt of Bangladesh. Data on survival, stem height, diameter, shoot production etc. were recorded from 4.5 years old and 3.5 years old two trial plantations. Result showed that the significantly greater stem height was recorded of 13.03m at Rangabali, greater diameter was 1.53cm at Cox’s Bazar and the greater number of shoots per clump was 27.45 at Char Kukri-Mukri site at the age of 4.5 years raised in 2010. In another experiment raised in 2011, the significantly greater height was 14.44m and the greater number of shoots produced per clump was 19.40 recorded from Rangabali site at the age of 3.5 years. The luxuriant stem growth was recorded from Char Kukri-Mukri a...

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Theimpactoffbrestbasedcottageindustryonruraldevelopmentinacottageindustryricharea of chittagong districr was ,"";;;;;1. fh" ,tudy i"u"uled that forest based cottage industries provide considerable off-farm ".provrn-"nt and income to the local economy and thus enhances rural development'Mostofthe"nt."p."n"u.,wereilliterateandpoorlandholder.Majorityof,theenterpnses were family based. Among ,* ii"" p."a*u encountered, ihaluni provided abott 437o of total monthly net income to the entrepreneurs However, average monthly income from these five products was estimated at Tk. 2059-which plays significant role in promoting household income' DB{{ er-4R qFtr TF< Frgclq q-{sl< "|€l8-dT1{<qfiv-ilae Tfr< FllE< evR "ffIrEIF{tT-fl qc{rq t qft*'{ *qrn' q{ *, ."fifrS" TF" fis + qfft"frF* gR-<RV's Fmq q<(*1rs< EI$FI "rff E-in-{*' g<rRs +r-< cfl1-s I <Fclfrfi< qR-;$Q qftmi *s(W qFu xrde , qtfoqq <r<cr q&. |4 "tR+< trR-+ r ffi so,{ r{,u '.s dqq <e 8s% A! jfi,s F1n,f qN$ slr | {R R1", *1 ffi qqt {ce {tfr"s 'lV Strl \ocb Dlsl q6{ al[rF {l a6'a6-a rqa6a sfu T-{F EtE"l(qFr YR-{t <tc{ |

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Bamboo is one of the most important non-timber forest products in Bangladesh. Previous research, however, has focused mainly on its silvicultural aspects, with its socioeconomic aspects remaining underexplored. In a study conducted between January and March in 2008, we surveyed 30 randomly selected bamboo-based entrepreneurs in a regional market in southern Bangladesh to identify employment and trade patterns, financial contributions, and marketing of bamboo and its products. Bamboo was found to be important in generating profits for entrepreneurs and employment for low-skilled rural workers. Bambusa balcooa, Melocanna baccifera, Bambusa tulda, and Bambusa vulgaris were found to be the most traded species, with Bambusa balcooa constituting 39% of the market. Major uses of (secondary products from) bamboo were found to be construction, fences, mats, and domestic baskets and utensils. Operating costs varied across the enterprises according to their sales, workforce size, and purchases. Estimated net average incomes of the large, medium, and small enterprises were around Tk. 43,000 ($625), Tk. 30,000 ($435), and Tk. 19,300 ($280), respectively, during the year 2007. Medium-sized enterprises earned the most (32%) from the sale of secondary products. Three marketing channels were identified, with most of the bamboo in the area being found to be collected through intermediaries. Our discussion highlights the importance of bamboo and its secondary products in generating employment and profits in the area and also the presence of problems such as income variability throughout the year. Promoting the trade of bamboo and bamboo-based enterprises through appropriate technical and financial assistance to growers and entrepreneurs could be an effective strategy to improve local economies in Bangladesh.

Cane based furniture business is one of the least researched areas in Bangladesh. The purpose of the present study is to appraise socioeconomic conditions and business policy of cane based furniture in the study area of Sylhet city, Bangladesh. The study reveals that 57% of cane furniture enterprises is small, 36% is medium and 7% is large in size. The average investment, production and profit range around Tk. 2, 80,000, Tk. 2,21,916 and Tk. 22,500 respectively per enterprise. Sofa, chair and rocking chair are the most demanded and profitable items. The study also reveals that 51% of entrepreneurs are suffering from shortage of capital and raw materials, whereas 35% are suffering from unskilled labor and adequate transportation facilities. High price due to high cost, low demand, archaic and common design, less promotion are the major problems of cane furniture. The study suggests that entrepreneurs should create demand for cane furniture among all classes of people through proper promotional programs, newest design, adding new features, improving quality and making the product available to all over the country through proper distribution. Government should patronize this industry by giving financial and institutional supports.

Theimpactoffbrestbasedcottageindustryonruraldevelopmentinacottageindustryricharea of chittagong districr was ,"";;;;;1. fh" ,tudy i"u"uled that forest based cottage industries provide considerable off-farm ".provrn-"nt and income to the local economy and thus enhances rural development'Mostofthe"nt."p."n"u.,wereilliterateandpoorlandholder.Majorityof,theenterpnses were family based. Among ,* ii"" p."a*u encountered, ihaluni provided abott 437o of total monthly net income to the entrepreneurs However, average monthly income from these five products was estimated at Tk. 2059-which plays significant role in promoting household income' DB{{ er-4R qFtr TF< Frgclq q-{sl< "|€l8-dT1{<qfiv-ilae Tfr< FllE< evR "ffIrEIF{tT-fl qc{rq t qft*'{ *qrn' q{ *, ."fifrS" TF" fis + qfft"frF* gR-<RV's Fmq q<(*1rs< EI$FI "rff E-in-{*' g<rRs +r-< cfl1-s I <Fclfrfi< qR-;$Q qftmi *s(W qFu xrde , qtfoqq <r<cr q&. |4 "tR+< trR-+ r ffi so,{ r{,u '.s dqq <e 8s% A! jfi,s F1n,f qN$ slr | {R R1", *1 ffi qqt {ce {tfr"s 'lV Strl \ocb Dlsl q6{ al[rF {l a6'a6-a rqa6a sfu T-{F EtE"l(qFr YR-{t <tc{ |

The dynamic ecosystem of Nepal is home to numerous Non-Timber Forest Products among which rattan is most important, found in the lowland of Terai. Despite the high potentiality of rattans being used for local purposes and as a commercial product in the market, very little is known about its resource status, distribution, harvesting, and marketing within Nepal. Ecological knowledge and social knowledge are most urgent to design rattan-related activities and their promotion, so there is  an urgent  need for research  works  in  the country. The objective of study entitled “Assessment of Distribution, Harvesting and Marketing of Calamus tenuis” was an attempt to fill the above-mentioned gaps. With the objectives of documenting the quantitative distribution of rattan in the community forests,  studying the season/timing and indigenous knowledge system of harvesting, and exploring consumption patterns and market trend, the study will be conducted in Saraswoti community forest of Bardiya district. The primary data will be collected by resource inventory,direct field observation, and questionnaire survey. For secondary data; constitution, operational plan, annual audit reports  of community forest user groups(CFUGs), the annual reports published by division forest office (DFO) Bardiya, Books, previous research Articles, and related literature will be consulted. The collected data will be analyzed quantitatively as well as qualitatively by statistical tools and formulas. The estimated cost for the study is NRs. Sixty four thousand five hundred only. The research will be conducted from Magh 15 to Ashadh 15,2078.
Keywords: community forest user groups(CFUGs), Division Forest Office (DFO), Harvesting, Marketing, Indigenous knowledge

Seed germination and optimum timo of transfer of seecllings of Calamw spp. from seed bed to polyethylene bag were studied. Seeds of C. Iatifolius Roxb. (Bhudum-bet) and C. guruba Buch.-Ham. (Jali-bet) sown under higher temperature (274fq and humidity (90-95/o) showed 42 and 7ll( germiration within 12-31 weeks and #9 weeks respectively. Germination of c. tatifolius seecls increased on removing the scaly epicarp and fleshy sarc()testa manually with ash. Seodlings of C, guruba of one to five weeks ago when transferred from seed bed to polyethylene bag, showed significantly higher height growth up to five months compared to thoss transfeffed sub-sequently.

Sustainable rural development with natural forest resources contributes significantly to rural livelihoods. Issues relating to forest resources and rural livelihoods should not be ignored in policy decisions and other interventions. Therefore, different agencies should take steps to make efficient use of forest resources, which would be one effective way to improve the livelihoods of rural households. The result of the study also indicates that very little attention has been paid to the cultural, traditional and environmental value of forest resources in the Darjeeling hills. Even awareness programs on the use and conservation of forest resources by various governmental and non-governmental organizations are limited in the study area. Current forest management strategies suggest that forest resources are common resources, resulting in a lack of rural household active participation in forest conservation practices. It has been revealed that rural households use other sources of diversified livelihood strategies in addition to income from agriculture and forestry. Hence, to achieve sustainable development, it is necessary to involve certain core stakeholders namely 'community and smallholder forestry' into the forest resources management practices. It is important that active involvement of local community helps to achieve sustainable development goals. Unfortunately, consistently increasing number of population and anthropogenic pressure on forests, Poverty and illiteracy (lack of awareness) towards forest management and sustainable livelihood among large section of the local Darjeeling hilly inhabitants are major hurdles as observed during the course of study.

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

The Unbalance capability of Indonesian forest potention (30,93 million m 3 /years) with constant raw matterial needs (63,48 million m 3 /years), Forestry industry suprisingly went bankrupt. And that causes illegal loging and threats sustainable tropical forest. The export of pulp and wood product increase would also become a causes and its add by deforestation. Another uses/benefits of forest product are the non forest product which are bigger, the general potention get an a special care. Wood vallue only 0,5% to 1% from the total wealth and another 99% is non wood product. Wood product industries needs a lot of employee but unbalance with its raw matterial capabilitty suply. Those number would increase unemployment and reach about 50.000 people and the covers of wood industry productis become a dilematics steps. Reorientation and forest product industries directed to non wood forest product reminding its big potention become forest main commodity. Forest can be definitely and totally destroyed if the areas used to be full of trees diplete.Undirectly, special feature of "plasma nutfah" which belongs to those areas will disappear too. If so, the chances of human to take the challenge of foreat cultivation will never be done optimally. The increase of export value of wood products which has been forced to get balance with oil and gas sector becomes the major cause of increasing deforestation. A policy of the Indonesian government in forest cultivation, in this century, is forest for life support. For instance, this show in the development of forests in non-wood product oriented ways. Mengkudu is one of useful tropical plantation. Its leaf, stem bark, root and fruits are financially more valueable then the wood because of its chemical subtance. Long time ago, this plant was used for conventional medical treatment. The leaf of Mengkudu has special virtue for sore bodies and rheumatism. The extract of stem bark is used for malaria disease, its root has a special ability to accelerate menstruation and the fruit can heal lots of disease such as cough, asthma, headache, hypertension and cancer.

Besides extraction stresses, rattans (climbing palms) are harshly undermined by human-induced forest fragmentation and their habitat loss. However, there is lack of data on rattan distribution patterns, species abundance and species composition from Malaysian forests. To reduce the gap of information and documentation, specifically on rattan ecology and diversity, we assessed the diversity and abundance of rattans using the taxonomic diversity and distinctness analysis in both island and mainland of northern Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 5482 individuals representing five genera and 21 species of rattans were recorded from 40 randomly selected sample plots covering an area of 3.6 ha. Higher species richness was recorded on the mainland (Margalefs (R1) and Menhiniks value (R2)-R1=1.91, R2=0.3151). In contrast, Penang island recorded a higher value of dominance (D=0.40101). The species evenness is moderately high in all forest reserves. The highest number of rattans (11 species) was recorded in Bukit Panchor. Penang hill forest reserve had the highest taxonomic diversity and distinctness (Δ=1.406, Δ*=1.8000). The lowest taxonomic diversity (Δ=1.260) and taxonomic distinctness (Δ*=1.636) was obtained for Bukit Panchor. The other locations featured the average diversity line of the funnel analysis. Implications for rattan abundance and species composition for proper management of depleting resources are discussed.

Schumannianthus dichotoma (Murta) is widely grown in wetland areas of Bangladesh, providing the raw material for prayer and bed mats and also minimizing flood risk and soil erosion. The study was carried out in two villages in Gowainghat Thana (subdistrict) in Sylhet district, to determine techniques for traditional management of Murta plantations and its role in the household economy. On average, about 13% of the total homestead area is used for Murta plantations. Propagation was from rhizomes and branch cuttings, and little intensive management was required. Harvesting was usually done annually, from mid-September to the end of March. Three-quarters of respondents were directly involved in Murta-based cottage enterprises, providing an average annual income of US$216: 43% of total income. Net average profit per man-day from selling articles varies from US$0.23 to 0.73. Middlemen make significant profits, due to lack of marketing knowledge and available market information and marketing facilities of the villagers. The cultivation and processing of Murta has great potential for the rural economy of such areas.

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of north-eastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socio-economic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Rattan, an important non-timber forest product, is a flexible palm used in weaving baskets or furniture. Rattan is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that can be moved often. Bangladesh has a large number of rattan-based enterprises. This paper reports a case study carried out in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh, exploring the production, financial profitability and marketing of rattan-based products, and the problems and priorities of rattan-based enterprises as well as their potential contribution to employment opportunity. A sample survey was conducted of 58 randomly selected rattan-based enterprises with entrepreneurs personally interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Based on the total investment, the enterprises were divided into large, medium and small categories. Three origins of rattan (Local, Myanmar and Indonesia) and five species were used by the enterprises to produce 29 rattan-based product types. Rattan products were divided into three basic categories, viz. domestic utensils, domestic decorative articles and others for which uses are not specific. Among the three rattan origins, processing cost of local and Myanmar rattan species products was less and more articles were sold than for Indonesia rattan species. Financial analysis indicated that rattan-based enterprises are a profitable and attractive option for local socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurs' views on major problems and issues in rattan-based product trading and suggested measures to improve the condition of rattan-based enterprises also collected. Rattan-based enterprises will generate more domestic revenue, foreign exchange and employment if policies are adopted to

Bangladesh is a developing country having diversified environmental issues especially in the city area. The present study was conducted in Sylhet City Corporation; one of the rapidly developing urban areas in the northeastern region of Bangladesh to identify the main environmental problems due to rapidly increase population, unplanned urbanization and hill cutting. The major environmental problems in the city are traffic obstruction, inappropriate solid waste disposal system, inadequate water supply, water logging state, hill cutting, chance of seismicity, etc. The nature and life style of Sylhet intimately related with the hills are thus under the threat of a drastic imbalance in its ecosystem. This study also investigates the causes of hill cutting along with its probable impact on environment such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, ecological imbalance and climatic change, chances of earthquake will increase, destroying natural beauty, soil erosion and landslide, etc. Sylhet is located in highly seismic risk zone 3 but most of the buildings and apartments are constructed without considering earthquake risk. The City Corporation authority should take a new approach to tackle urban problems by investing new ways to solve them, taking advantages of unused resources and opportunities.

This study was conducted to evaluate the consumption of shisham wood in furniture industry and marketing system of furniture in Gujrat city. There are three main furniture markets in Gujrat city. Furniture markets are getting wood from timber markets, forest department and ...

This study explores the current situation, trends, problems and prospects of rattan-based furniture industry in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. The research mainly focuses on issues such as procurement and management of rattan in the study area and its role as raw material in cottage industry as well as income generation for local communities. The findings reveal that scarcity and inadequate supply of raw material is the key problem, which is further aggravated by poor quality in terms of maturity, dimension and finishing. Besides the lack of promotional activities, technological drawbacks and absence of research activities are also dwarfing the sector's potential. Key recommendations for improvement include provision of sustained supply of raw materials by the government organizations concerned, micro credit support from reputed service providers, regular arrangement of training, marketing and promotional activities by NGOs. Studies on floristic and silvicultural characteristics, farmers' participation and preferences, gender and equity issues and policy and management aspects need to be carried out.

An exploratory survey using multistage simple random sampling was conducted by repeated visit of rattan-based small scale cottage industries in urban and semi-urban areas of Chittagong district of Bangladesh during July-September, 2001. Only four species of rattans were found to be used as raw materials in the study area of which Calamus guruba was identi ed as highest in quantity being used in the industries. Entrepreneurs were found mostly dependent on homestead forests and imported rattan for raw materials. Most of the entrepreneurs were found to manage their capital from their own sources and the ownership was single. On average, 7.4 number of labourers were found per industry of which the maximum number were skilled. The manufacturing process was identi ed as totally manual and traditional. A large variety of products were found to be made of rattans. The productivity of commodities was usually sustained throughout the year in the urban area but uctuated in the semi-urban area depending on availability of raw materials and socioeconomic conditions of the people. Net monthly income per rattan-based small scale cottage industry in urban area was about double of that net income in semi-urban area. Lack of raw materials, access to national and international market, advanced technology, training facilities and nancial supports were the important problems and limitations identi ed.

Trials were conducted in the rural homesteads to assess the propagation and growth performance of Calamus tenuis (jali bet) planted in the year 2010 and 2011 at 5 different sites, namely Char Kukri-Mukri (Bhola), Rangabali (Patuakhali), Char Osman (Noakhali), Sitakundu (Chittagong) and Kolatoli (Cox’s Bazar) in the coastal belt of Bangladesh. Data on survival, stem height, diameter, shoot production etc. were recorded from 4.5 years old and 3.5 years old two trial plantations. Result showed that the significantly greater stem height was recorded of 13.03m at Rangabali, greater diameter was 1.53cm at Cox’s Bazar and the greater number of shoots per clump was 27.45 at Char Kukri-Mukri site at the age of 4.5 years raised in 2010. In another experiment raised in 2011, the significantly greater height was 14.44m and the greater number of shoots produced per clump was 19.40 recorded from Rangabali site at the age of 3.5 years. The luxuriant stem growth was recorded from Char Kukri-Mukri and Rangabali areas and it was grown up to 21.15m and 20.0m respectively at the age of 4.5 years after planting. Therefore, this species can be planted in the coastal homesteads at wider scale for sustainable production of rattan (i.e., species of flexible palms in the tribe Calameae; an important non-timber mainly used for making baskets and furniture) resources in Bangladesh.

The physical and mechanical properties of Golla bet (Daemonorops jenkinsiana) from the
north-eastern part of Bangladesh were investigated. These properties were studied in three height
positions (bottom, middle and top) of three age groups (3, 4 and 5 years old). The variation of
these properties due to node and internode has also been determined. Moisture content, volumetric
shrinkage and basic density were evaluated from green to oven-dry condition, compressive strength,
MOE and MOR were evaluated from green to air-dry condition. The moisture content increased
gradually from the bottom to top. The density, compressive strength and bending strength decreased
along the culm height from the bottom to the top. It was found that the node and internode had no
significant effect on those properties. Effect of age was significant in all cases, except for moisture
content and compressive strength. The effect of height was significant in all cases. Golla bet of the
5 years age group showed higher physical and mechanical properties except moisture content and
shrinkage and the 3 years age group showed higher moisture content and shrinkage values. Negative
correlation was found for physical properties with compressive strength.