The Tripura Regional Office of NABARD organised a meeting of the Regional Advisory Committee for development of Off Farm Sector on 07th February 2024 with the theme “Bamboo: Catalyst for sustainable off farm growth,” underscoring the potential of bamboo in driving sustainable growth in various sectors.
The meeting was presided over by Shri Loken Das, GM/OIC of Tripura RO and attended by Shri Prasada Rao, IFS, CEO, TRLM, Shri Diganta Kumar Das, DGM, Shri Animesh Das, IFS, DCF, Planning, Government of Tripura; MD, Tripura StCB; GM, Tripura Gramin Bank; Principal, College of Agriculture; Director, Agriculture Marketing; Deputy Director, SIPARD; Officer in charge, Bamboo and Cane Development Institute(BCDI), Bamboo based startup ‘G Cube’, entrepreneurs, MD of Nalcher OFPO, NGOs, officials of State Government, banks and officers & staff of Tripura Regional Office of NABARD.
Shri Loken Das, GM/OIC, underscored the importance of the RAC meeting for discussions on potential actions and partnerships and highlighted NABARD’s initiatives in promoting bamboo products, including bamboo bottles from Tripura, launching of eco-friendly bamboo marketing bag, partnerships with government organizations, banks, and NGOs. Shri Das stressed upon the need to emphasise on production of utility items, home decor items, outdoor construction items, etc. that can ensure better earning as well as contribute towards sustainability. That bamboo cultivation can help farmers to earn through the carbon credit route was also emphasised.
Shri Prasada Rao, IFS, shared his experiences in the bamboo sector and emphasized cluster-based approaches, marketing strategies, and convergence with government schemes to support artisans and entrepreneurs.
Shri Animesh Das, IFS and Shri Ashish Mishra Asst. Manager, NABARD made presentations on the present state of the bamboo sector in Tripura and initiatives by NABARD for development of off farm activities respectively. Key highlights of the meeting included the thrust on the economic significance of bamboo and its potential in sectors such as furniture, construction, and handicrafts. NABARD’s support to artisans through Rural Haat, Rural Mart, and ONDC, as well as the existence of an OFPO in Nalchar for bamboo handicrafts, were emphasized. The importance of developing bamboo products beyond mere showpieces was also stressed. Interactions with stakeholders participating in the meeting contributed towards sharing of issues and challenges faced and arriving at a probable action agenda.
