Johnson Varghese, a 53-year-old from Wayanad, Kerala, has turned his passion for bamboo into a mission. On his 17-acre plantation, he conserves over 140 rare species of bamboo, creating a haven for biodiversity and sustainability.
Johnson’s journey began in the quiet town of Pulpally. By day, he managed his family’s pepper shop. By night, he painted bamboo, inspired by the forested surroundings of Wayanad.
His fascination with bamboo led him to study its diverse species. “Almost all bamboos have different leaves, shoots, and structures. I was so fascinated that I decided to collect them one by one,” he says.
In 2010, Johnson began travelling across India to collect bamboo shoots. His expeditions took him to the bamboo-rich Northeast, where he gathered rare species from Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim, and beyond.
Thanks to Wayanad’s tropical climate, Johnson cultivated a dense bamboo forest of 10,000 plants. His collection includes rare varieties like golden bamboo, Guadua angustifolia, and Melocanna baccifera.
Bamboo is more than a passion for Johnson — it’s a solution. “It absorbs carbon, boosts soil health, and combats desertification. Bamboo farming can put a check on the environmental degradation happening in our region,” he explains.
“Bamboo is going to be the next timber. It’s versatile — used for construction, furniture, fabrics, biofuel, and even medicine,” Johnson shares. Yet, he laments that only few recognise its true potential.
Johnson’s plantation doesn’t just showcase bamboo’s environmental value — it’s a peaceful retreat. “I’ve spent nights in the forest I created, feeling its cool breeze and finding immense tranquillity,” he says.
The bamboo forest has also taught him life lessons. “Bamboo bends to survive strong winds yet stands tall. If we, too, adapt and remain resilient, the world would be a better place,” he reflects.
“Today, if you plant one shoot, you will have 10 new plants a year later. So, bamboo can be easily cultivated,” says Johnson, inviting everyone to join his mission for a greener planet.