NEWS: Bamboo-based enterprises are expanding into construction materials, food processing and design products following the 2017 legal change for non-forest bamboo.

KEY FACTS

• Global rank: India has the world’s largest bamboo-bearing area — 1.55 lakh sq km (India State of Forest Report 2023).
• Species: 136 species (125 indigenous, 11 exotic).
• Leading state: Madhya Pradesh.
• Industry size: ₹28,005 crore.
• National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Promotes the complete bamboo value chain, from cultivation to markets.

ABOUT BAMBOO

• Bamboo is a fast-growing woody grass belonging to the Poaceae family.
• Indian Forest (Amendment) Act, 2017: Removed bamboo grown in non-forest areas from the definition of “tree” under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognises eligible forest-dwelling communities’ rights to collect and sell bamboo as minor forest produce.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

• NBM: Supports plantations, nurseries, processing and marketing.
• NECTAR: Promotes bamboo technology, construction and skill development.
• SFURTI: Organises artisans into clusters with common facilities.
• National Transit Pass System (NTPS): Provides QR-coded transit permits for forest produce.
• Project BOLD: Uses bamboo for land restoration and livelihood generation.
• North Eastern Council: Supports bamboo-sector projects in the Northeast.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Farm income: Provides recurring income through culm harvesting.
• Employment: Supports rural and tribal livelihoods.
• Green construction: Offers alternatives to conventional timber.
• Environment: Helps control soil erosion and supports carbon sequestration.