Agenda for sustainable bamboo economy set at Assam conclave

Policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators converged for a conclave in Guwahati on Thursday (September 18, 2025) to set an agenda for a sustainable bamboo economy.

The focus of this agenda is on integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology, leveraging market-driven approaches, and fostering inclusive growth to “build a resilient and globally competitive bamboo sector” that will contribute to sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Experts at the Northeast Bamboo Conclave said the region comprising eight States is crucial for the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) to succeed. The northeast and a contiguous part of West Bengal account for more than 50% of the bamboo resources in India.

“Bamboo holds immense potential for green growth and livelihood missions in the northeast. As we align with the NBM, our focus is on fostering partnerships, driving investments, and promoting innovations that will make bamboo a cornerstone of India’s bio-economy,” M.C. Omi Ningshen, the Managing Director of North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council, stated.

“Achieving this vision will require a concerted and collaborative effort. While government support and policy push will act as a catalyst, the active participation of the private sector and public sector undertakings will be crucial in unlocking investments, bringing in advanced technologies, and creating scalable market linkages,” he said.

Bamboo specialists agreed that the commissioning of India’s first bamboo-based bioethanol plant in eastern Assam’s Numaligarh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi could boost the region’s bamboo economy. They were also upbeat about investments in setting up manufacturing units for engineered bamboo, which would be crucial for bamboo-based alternatives to wood.

Apart from the NBM, the conclave was supported by the North Eastern Council and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. EOM