Guwahati: We are developing bamboo varieties suited to our region and setting up nurseries for large-scale production, which will be a key focus of the new policy, said Sazzad Alam, ACS, Mission Director of Assam State Bamboo Mission during an exclusive interview with Pankhi Sarma of Business North East. He is also the Joint Secretary to the Government of Assam, Industries, Commerce & PE Department, Assam.
Sazzad Alam, ACS, Mission Director of Assam State Bamboo Mission
with journalist Pankhi Sarma
"The new policy will incorporate a demand-based approach to bamboo cultivation, ensuring plantations are planned around specific industrial requirements to support local industries. The new policy is being drafted and will be introduced soon," Mission Director Alam further informed.
Business North East: You oversee the Assam State Bamboo Development Mission. What is the current strategy for bamboo cultivation and utilization in the state?
Sazzad Alam, Mission Director:
Bamboo is widespread in Assam, but its use has traditionally been fragmented across various sectors without a cohesive strategy. We've faced challenges such as inadequate value addition and inefficient supply chains. Much bamboo is exported out of state, and local industries often struggle with inconsistent supply.
To address these issues, we're focusing on a demand-based approach to bamboo cultivation. This means planning plantations based on specific industrial needs and ensuring a reliable supply chain. We're also exploring how waste from one industry can become raw material for another, such as using bamboo waste for products like bamboo charcoal or vinegar.
Additionally, we're also targeting primary processing to enhance bamboo's quality and usability. This includes treatment and standardization of bamboo sizes for better construction and use in various products. We're also developing bamboo varieties suited to our region and setting up nurseries for large-scale production.
Overall, the goal is to create a structured bamboo economy that adds significant value locally, similar to the impact of tea and petroleum in Assam. By integrating cultivation, processing, and industry needs, we aim to transform bamboo into a major economic driver for the region.
BNE: With the significant land allocation for palm oil cultivation, shouldn't we focus more on bamboo, which is naturally abundant in our region?
Mission Director:
Bamboo faces a challenge similar to a talented actor who remains undervalued despite his potential. Bamboo is widely used and appreciated, but it's often not considered as a primary plantation crop. Currently, it’s mostly grown in backyard plantations, which limits its economic potential.
However, there's a growing recognition that bamboo could be more profitable if treated as a dedicated crop. Farmers are encouraged to allocate part of their land to bamboo, perhaps in a rotational system where different sections are planted and harvested annually. This method ensures continuous production and reduces reliance on new saplings.
By establishing a sustainable harvesting cycle, farmers could become reliable suppliers for various industries, reducing the dominance of middlemen and enhancing the bamboo value chain. Our mission is to promote these practices and engage with farmers and bamboo users to integrate bamboo more effectively into our mainstream economy. Support from the community and technical institutions will be crucial in advancing bamboo cultivation and utilization.
BNE: Are there any funds allocated for the bamboo development initiative?
Mission Director: Yes, there are funds under the National Bamboo Mission, which are allocated for specific activities. These funds support various aspects of bamboo development, including plantation, primary processing units, and common facilitation centres. Besides, funds are also available for niche products under NEC and Ministries like MSME. For instance, a new community facility centre is being set up in Kakopathar, near Sadiya, under the Ministry of MSME, as part of a multi-departmental initiative.
The ongoing State Government promulgated ‘Assam Cane and Bamboo Policy 2019’ on bamboo offers financial support in the form of subsidies and functional assistance. But it is going to lapse by the end of this year. However, a new policy is already being drafted so as to be introduced on time.
The State Bamboo Mission, with the available funds, is conducting training programs for artisans and awareness programs for new bamboo users, in collaboration with technical institutions like the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bangalore, North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC), Byrnihat, Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat, and Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat.
To enhance artisan skills, the State Bamboo Mission is providing toolkits with machinery to improve product quality and precision. Additionally, we are working on developing local manufacturing for bamboo products like toothbrushes and bamboo yarn. Currently, these products are imported, but there is significant potential to produce them locally, utilizing our bamboo resources effectively. This approach could revolutionize the bamboo industry in Assam.
BNE: Many architects in the state are advocating for bamboo as a more affordable and resilient alternative to concrete. What are your thoughts on this?
Mission Director:
: Indeed, bamboo has been utilized in notable construction projects. For example, the Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru feature bamboo interiors extensively. The Likabali Airport of Arunachal Pradesh is constructed almost entirely of bamboo. Additionally, bamboo tiles have been used in various projects, showcasing its potential as a significant construction material.
In large-scale construction, bamboo is used for scaffolding and roofing, especially for RCC buildings. However, the treatment of bamboo is crucial to ensure it is moisture-resistant and durable. For construction purposes, species like bhaluka (i.e. Bambusa balcooa) and Bambusa vulgaris are to be preferred for their strength, girth and straightness.
Bamboo has also been employed in innovative applications, such as bamboo crash barriers, which are proving effective in places like Gujarat. These barriers are particularly useful in hilly areas where traditional aluminium barriers may not be as effective.
In Assam, there are private initiatives developing bamboo construction, including resorts and buildings in places like Majuli and eastern Assam. While bamboo can be used for interiors and certain types of structures, it may not completely replace concrete for all construction needs. However, it is suitable for interiors, resorts, and even penthouses atop RCC structures.
Regarding processing, primary processing centres are already in place, and there are efforts to promote the cultivation of appropriate bamboo species. While private companies are leading many bamboo initiatives, we are committed to supporting and coordinating these efforts. We also focus on improving the quality and durability of bamboo furniture to enhance its value and longevity. With the right treatment and technology, bamboo can become a viable and sustainable construction material.
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