New Delhi: The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry has decided to go for any scheme related to promotion of bamboo as it boosts the economy as its demand is on rise across the country.
As there is need for more research, more appropriate approach for product development, market support for Bamboo, the Ministry of MSME will extend the support, Union MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday while addressing a virtual exhibition on Bamboo Technology, Products and Services through video conferencing.
The exhibition was organized by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).
Mr.Gadkari said that there is a need to increase demand for bamboo and bamboo has potential to be used as an alternative to coal and can also be used in construction.
Mr.Gadkari said that use of jute and coir mattresses is soon going to be made mandatory for all NHAI roads.
He advocated varied use of traditional materials like jute, coir and bamboo by developing them further.
Mr.Gadkari expressed hope that, with integrated efforts from all stakeholders, bamboo industry in India will be worth Rs25,000-Rs.30,000 crore.
Technologically proven, cost effective and attractive product designing can establish and promote the use and demand of bamboo, which will encourage people to go for bamboo plantation.
He assured all assistance from Ministry of MSME for any scheme related to promotion of bamboo.
The Minister said that more research, more appropriate approach for product development, market support is required.
He also said that he is trying to get 50 per cent subsidy from Railways for bamboo and bamboo sticks.
He exuded confidence that by increasing use and requirement of bamboo will lead to increase in its plantation.
He said that bamboo can also be used to make bio-CNG and charcoal and IITs can be roped in to conduct further research on this with help of special grants from Bamboo Mission.
Coverage of 1,05,000 Hectare area under bamboo over a period of two years by ensuring adequate stocks of selected genetically superior quality planting material has been planned.
Similarly promotion and diversification of bamboo products through establishment of micro, small, medium & large processing units and development of value chain in bamboo development is taken up.
Setting up and strengthening of bamboo mandi/bazaars/rural haats, including promoting online trade is envisaged.
The Mission is focusing on development of bamboo in limited States where it has social, commercial and economical advantage.
Bamboo Mission Priority Zones include Odisha, North Eastern Region and other States including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Other States with a potential and which evince interest will be considered for inclusion in the Mission, said an officer.