Assam increases bamboo plantation by 19 sqkm since 2018

In Assam, an area of 18.56 square kilometers has been added to bamboo forest cover since 2018-19. This information was shared by Union Agriculture Minister Ramnath Thakur during a recent session in the Lok Sabha. He explained that the total bamboo area in Assam recorded in forests rose from 10,659 square kilometers in 2021 to 11,246 square kilometers in 2023. The growth in bamboo cultivation is part of the National Bamboo Mission, which has set up 10 nurseries in Assam since 2018-19. These nurseries aim to produce high-quality bamboo plants and increase the annual production of saplings to 250,000. This mission focuses on creating a complete bamboo value chain. This includes linking farmers with consumers and improving processes for planting, collection, processing, and marketing bamboo products. The central government is providing financial help and technical support to farmers and entrepreneurs involved in bamboo production. Minister Thakur also mentioned the creation of a special section for bamboo products on the government’s e-marketplace platform. To further support bamboo artisans and entrepreneurs, Assam is implementing various initiatives. These include organizing awareness campaigns, seminars, and trade fairs. The State Bamboo Development Agency has established nine nurseries and collaborates on market opportunities for bamboo products, facilitating participation in exhibitions and creating souvenir shops in tourist areas.