Maharashtra Keen on Bamboo Sector, Seeks Tripura’s Expertise

Agartala: Maharashtra is exploring opportunities to start its Bamboo Mission by inking an MoU with Tripura.
Pankaja Munde, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Maharashtra, said this after arriving in Agartala to attend a review meeting at the Bamboo and Cane Development Institute.

Endowed with rich and diverse bamboo resources, Tripura is home to 21 species of bamboo out of the 130 species available in India. The state meets 60% of the national requirement for bamboo sticks used in Agarbatti (incense stick) making.

The Tripura Bamboo Mission (TBM) was launched in 2007 under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework for the integrated development of the bamboo sector. The mission focuses on four sub-sectors: Bamboo Plantations, Bamboo Handicrafts, Bamboo Incense Sticks, and Bamboo Industrial Applications. The catalytic role played by TBM has resulted in increased turnover and livelihood generation. Value addition is taking place in the Agarbatti sector, new handicraft products have been designed and launched, and marketing strategies have been improved.

Speaking on the issue, the Maharashtra Minister said that she wanted to build a relationship with Tripura regarding bamboo.

“This is my very first meeting. I want to establish a relationship with Tripura regarding bamboo—how they utilize and cultivate bamboo and how they use it in industries. I have just arrived and have been introduced to certain varieties of bamboo. I will attend a meeting to understand the scenario and the necessary conditions,” she said.

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She further stated that during her meeting, she would assess what types of bamboo would be beneficial for industrial prospects, climatic conditions, and the market in Maharashtra.

“And if everything works out, we would like to sign an MoU with the Tripura government and start our Bamboo Mission in Maharashtra, taking advice from the Tripura government. Bamboo can be used in construction and various products. In China, they are constructing massive structures with bamboo. We are considering all these aspects. As the Environment Minister, I want to expand forests and green zones, which will also create employment opportunities for rural populations and farmers. Let’s move forward for the best,” she added.