Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture formed an advisory group to streamline and improve the bamboo sector’s development under the restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM). The restructuring was part of a central sponsored scheme launched during 2018-19.
National Bamboo Mission and its Objective
The restructured NBM introduced a complete value chain system for the growth of the bamboo sector. Its focus was to link growers with consumers by maintaining a seamless flow from planting material to the plantation, then to the creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing, and micro, small & medium enterprises. It also covered skilled manpower and brand building initiative in a cluster approach mode.
The primary objective of the NBM is to increase the area under bamboo plantation, not just in forest but also non-forest Government and private lands. This effort aims to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change.
The NBM also sought to bridge the gap between farmers and markets enabling farmer producers to have a ready market for the bamboo grown. Upgrading the skills of traditional bamboo craftsmen to meet the requirements of contemporary markets was another goal. The NBM is under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Potential of Bamboo
Bamboo is a versatile group of plants that provides ecological, economic, and livelihood security to people. Recently, this plant was highlighted during the inauguration of the new terminal of the Bengaluru (Kempagowda) Airport. Here, bamboo was used as an architectural and structural material, earning itself the title of ‘green steel’.
Apart from the construction sector, bamboo has multiple uses. Plastic can be replaced using ecofriendly mouldable granules from bamboo. It is also a reliable source for ethanol and bio-energy production due to its fast growth rate. The market for bamboo-based lifestyle products, cutleries, home decors, handicrafts, and cosmetics is also growing.
Status of Bamboo Production in India
India holds the highest area under bamboo (13.96 million hectares) and is the second richest country in terms of bamboo diversity with 136 species, second only to China.
Initiatives to Promote Bamboo
Several initiatives have been taken to promote bamboo growth in India. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has inaugurated 22 bamboo clusters in 9 states. A Minimum Support Price (MSP) was established for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) which includes bamboo.
Bamboo was removed from the ‘tree’ category in the Indian Forest Act 1927, making it easier for people to undertake cultivation and business in bamboo and its products. Additionally, 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are planned to be formed within five years. These organizations assist farmers by imparting better farm practices, collectivisation of input purchases, transportation, and linkage with markets.
Way Forward
States need to take forward the objectives of the National Bamboo Mission for a self-reliant farming sector. With the abundance of bamboo and its rapidly growing industry, India should aim to establish herself in global markets for both engineered and handcrafted products by increasing exports further.
As per the Indian Forest Act amendment in 2019, bamboo grown in non-forest areas can be felled and transported. Still, those grown on forest lands will still be classified as a tree and guided by existing legal restrictions. However, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006 recognises bamboo as a minor forest produce and gives rights to own, collect, use and dispose of it.
