Raw Materials - Dendrocalamus spp.

These Dendrocalamus bamboos are locally grown (just a few hundred yards from the Javelins factory). Their thin, narrow culms are ideal for making javelins as they are just the right diameter, and can be bent straight very easily.

Cultivation of Dendrocalamus in Tripura is simple, requiring minimal inputs of fertiliser twice per year, and reaping annual harvests. Dendrocalamus is also often grown on homesteads for home use.

Bundled Javelins ready for market

After straightening and carbonising the javelins are bundled for sale. The factory is located very close to the Bangladesh border and some export takes place. Most of the javelins produced by the factory are sold for practice rather than competition. Due to the inherent slight variability of bamboo raw materials, a standardised competiton-standard javelin cannot be guaranteed. However, the business employs over ten people at the factory and sources raw materials from a number of local bamboo growers, providing incomes to all.