Famine caused by bamboo flowering is an indirect phenomenon that happens in 30 to 40 years depending on the species of the bamboo. Senior Congress legislator and NEHU Head of Department of Botany Dr RC Laloo told The Sentinel that bamboo flowering does not directly lead to famine but it occurs after rats have shortage of food. He said when rats feed on the high-protein seeds of bamboo, flowers start to reproduce while their population doubles leading to shortage of seeds. Therefore, the rats are left with no option but to attack the paddy fields, Dr Laloo said. Vast stretches of bamboo plantation in West Khasi Hills and Garo Hills lay dead after bamboos started blooming. Dr Laloo also informed that Jaintia Hills is also experiencing flowering. It may be noted here that bamboos in West Khasi Hills district stated bearing flowers in September last year and at present the bamboos have also stared bearing fruits. According to residents of Nongdaju, rats have multiplied and worms from the fruits have started surfacing in shady areas. Ironically, the Sstate does not have a testing centre to authenticate the content of the bamboo fruits. It may also be mentioned here that the formal constitution of a State Bamboo Development Agency is under consideration by the Government. Various schemes that include National Bamboo Mission, management of gregarious flowering and establishment of bamboo processing units have been initiated. The Government has also fixed financial assistance of Rs 1,415.40 lakh for the State to tackle the gregarious bamboo flowering. Out of the Rs 1,415.40 lakh, Rs 490 lakh was released in 2005-2006, Rs 90 lakh in 2006-2007, Rs 60 lakh in 2007-2008 and Rs 40 lakh in 2008-2009.