Imphal, October 22: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering a proposed USD 53 million project aimed at developing inclusive and sustainable bamboo value chains across Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
The initiative, titled Inclusive and Sustainable Bamboo Value Chain Development (ISBVCD), has been prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and, if approved, will be implemented through the National Bamboo Mission with the respective State Bamboo Missions serving as implementing agencies.
According to the proposal document, the northeast region possesses 5.34 million hectares of bamboo, accounting for 35.8% of India’s total bamboo resources, despite covering just 8% of the country’s land area. However, the region continues to lag behind the national average in terms of trade, infrastructure, and investment, with poverty levels remaining comparatively high.
A regional Project Management Unit will oversee coordination, provide technical guidance, and ensure adherence to environmental and social safeguards.
Highlighting bamboo’s potential, Development Commissioner Aier said the fast-growing plant could play a vital role in sustainability, livelihood creation, and climate mitigation. The project aims to empower women and youth, many of whom are already active in the bamboo sector, by enhancing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The ISBVCD project also proposes strengthening community bamboo resource management and supporting local communities in cultivating commercially viable bamboo varieties.
To attract private investment, the plan includes the creation of Integrated Bamboo Parks and Common Facility Centres equipped with modern infrastructure such as power, water, and waste management systems, as well as business advisory services to support value chain development and sustainable growth in the region.
