The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering support for an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming Northeast India’s bamboo sector into a modern and climate-resilient growth engine.
According to a report by Northeast Now, the Inclusive and Sustainable Bamboo Value Chain Development Project has been prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and aims to strengthen the entire bamboo ecosystem across Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. The proposal is currently under review for ADB backing.
If approved, the project will cover the six northeastern states, which together hold over 35 percent of India’s bamboo resources. Northeast India possesses 5.34 million hectares of bamboo, or 35.8 percent of the country’s total, yet much of its potential remains untapped. Despite being home to some of the fastest-growing bamboo species globally, the region continues to lag in bamboo-based industrial production and trade.
The project envisions a comprehensive bamboo ecosystem that blends traditional knowledge with modern industry requirements. It aims to enhance rural livelihoods, promote women’s entrepreneurship, and reduce India’s dependence on imported bamboo products. According to ADB documents, the initiative will expand cultivation areas, establish nurseries for high-quality planting materials, and improve market infrastructure through State Bamboo Missions. Gender mainstreaming is a key feature, acknowledging the important role of women in bamboo craft, trade, and entrepreneurship.
The project proposes establishing Integrated Bamboo Parks and Common Facility Centres equipped with renewable energy utilities, water and waste management systems, and product testing laboratories. These facilities will act as industrial hubs for bamboo processing, furniture making, and value-added product development, providing entrepreneurs and artisans with access to finance and markets.
Community-led resource management will also be emphasized. Local joint forest user groups and village employment councils, many with over 30 percent women’s participation, will operate Community Primary Processing Centres and manage nurseries and plantations. Women and youth will receive training in sustainable bamboo cultivation, harvesting, and enterprise management.
To connect producers with markets, the project includes digital components such as a Bamboo Production Monitoring System for real-time resource tracking, an Online Bamboo Trading Platform for transparent market access, and a Digital Bamboo Advisory Services Platform to provide technical guidance via mobile and web.
