Nagaland, NE states to benefit from proposed bamboo development project

DIMAPUR — Nagaland and the northeastern states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura could benefit from a proposed USD 53 million initiative to develop inclusive and sustainable bamboo value chains, currently under consideration by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The project, Inclusive and Sustainable Bamboo Value Chain Development (ISBVCD), was prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and, if approved, will be implemented through the National Bamboo Mission, with State Bamboo Missions acting as implementing agencies.

A regional Project Management Unit will provide overall coordination, technical guidance, and ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards.

According to the proposal document, the northeast region is home to 5.34 million hectares of bamboo, representing 35.8% of the country’s total bamboo resources, despite covering only 8% of India’s land area.

Despite this, the region remains relatively underdeveloped, with an average poverty headcount of 13.18% and poverty intensity of 43.66%, compared with national averages of 14.90% and 44.39%. The region also trails the rest of India in trade, investment, and infrastructure.

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Given the widespread availability of bamboo, this fast-growing plant offers significant potential for poverty reduction and climate mitigation.

Moreover, with many women already involved in the bamboo sector, the project could substantially enhance their employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, the document stated.

The project intends to strengthen community bamboo resource management by supporting participating communities in selecting and managing commercially suitable bamboo varieties. Special attention would be given to disadvantaged groups, including women and youth, to ensure equitable participation and benefit sharing.

Infrastructure improvements are also proposed, including the establishment of Integrated Bamboo Parks and Common Facility Centres equipped with power, water, and waste management systems, along with business advisory services to attract private investment, it said.