Farmers often celebrate when their plants are in full bloom, envisioning a bountiful harvest. However, in Mizoram, the sight of bamboo trees flowering brings fear rather than joy. This phenomenon, known as ‘mautam’ in the northeastern state, translates to "death" due to the consequences it brings. The mass flowering of bamboo triggers a surge in rodent populations, as these creatures feed on the bamboo seeds and reproduce rapidly.
These rodents then invade agricultural lands in large numbers, destroying foodgrains and consuming anything they find, leading to a famine-like situation. Fortunately, mautam does not occur annually; it happens approximately once every 30 to 50 years, depending on the bamboo species.
The rodents' attack on paddy fields often results in severe food shortages, particularly among tribal communities who rely entirely on their agricultural produce. Recognizing the recurring nature of this problem, the Mizoram government launched the Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Schemes (BAFFACOS) in 2005. Under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Zoramthanga, various departments including agriculture, health, rural works, and public works were mobilized to address the situation, which frequently escalated beyond control as the rodent population surged.
In a unique attempt to manage the rodent problem, the state government once introduced a scheme offering Rs 2 for each rodent tail turned in, reminiscent of the Pied Piper of Hamelin from English folklore, though this solution was far less magical.
Locals explain that mautam is a rare event, occurring only once in a bamboo plant's lifetime. After flowering, the bamboo dies, leaving behind a legacy of destruction. The loose soil often leads to landslides, compounding the challenges of food scarcity and famine.
The increase in rodent numbers also poses health risks to humans, with outbreaks of rodent-borne diseases becoming common. These diseases, transmitted through rat bites, fleas, and contamination of food, water, and air by rodent urine or excreta, can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Interestingly, there is a political angle to the bamboo flowering phenomenon. During the mautam period of 1958-60, the Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF) was established to provide relief to areas suffering from starvation. The MNFF, perceived as addressing the needs of neglected communities, eventually evolved into the Mizo National Front (MNF).
The MNF, led by Laldenga, staged a major uprising in 1966 and played a crucial role in the state's political history, with Laldenga later becoming the Chief Minister of Mizoram.
