Tripura leaders highlight bamboo’s potential as a driver of economic growth, women’s empowerment, and cultural heritage on World Bamboo Day. Officials stressed its growing applications, exports, and role in making the state self-reliant under the “Vocal for Local” vision.
Tripura’s bamboo sector has emerged as a promising pillar of sustainable economic growth, offering opportunities in livelihood generation, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. On the occasion of World Bamboo Day, Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma emphasized the immense potential of bamboo in shaping the state’s future economy.
Speaking at the event held at Pragya Bhavan, organized by the Tripura Bamboo Mission, Chakma highlighted that the growing demand for bamboo across industries is a golden opportunity for Tripura to position itself as a leading bamboo hub. “Development is possible when people from all sections of society make collective efforts. Every person has their roles to play,” she said.
Bamboo as a Driver of Economic Self-Reliance
Minister Chakma underscored how bamboo and cane crafts have become powerful tools of women’s empowerment in Tripura. Artisans, particularly women from rural and tribal backgrounds, are using bamboo-based entrepreneurship to gain financial independence. She noted that these small-scale ventures align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” vision, encouraging self-sufficiency and the promotion of indigenous products.
“Bamboo is not just a raw material; it is an enabler of sustainable livelihood,” she remarked, urging citizens, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to harness the full potential of the sector.
Forest Minister Highlights Expanding Bamboo Applications
Also present at the event, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma drew attention to the increasing applications of bamboo in modern industries, especially in furniture-making, housing, and handicrafts. He praised the growing recognition of Tripura’s bamboo products at the national level, noting their rising demand in both domestic and external markets.
Debbarma added that bamboo cultivation and processing could serve as a significant revenue generator for the state while creating employment opportunities for thousands of families. “If we can tap this resource effectively, the state’s economy will see transformative growth,” he said.
Cultural and Religious Significance of Bamboo
Brishaketu Debbarma, Minister of State for Industry and Commerce, shed light on bamboo’s deep cultural significance among Tripura’s indigenous communities. Beyond its economic role, bamboo continues to hold an irreplaceable place in rituals, festivals, and traditional practices. He pointed out that bamboo sticks used in incense production are one of the state’s major exports, providing livelihoods to many households.
He stressed that the convergence of culture and commerce in bamboo trade makes it both an economic driver and a preserver of heritage.
Institutional Support and Grassroots Empowerment
The event witnessed participation from senior officials, including PCCF Praveen Agarwal, Tripura Bamboo Mission Director Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav, and Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Phanibhushan Jamatia. The program included the symbolic distribution of toolkits to bamboo farmers and artisans, underlining the government’s commitment to empowering grassroots stakeholders in the bamboo economy.
The Tripura Bamboo Mission, since its inception, has played a critical role in training artisans, facilitating market linkages, and encouraging value addition. By equipping artisans with modern tools, it aims to boost productivity and enhance the quality of bamboo-based products, thereby expanding market reach.
Tripura’s Path Toward a Bamboo Economy
Bamboo is increasingly recognized as a “green gold” for states like Tripura, where natural resources and skilled craft traditions converge. Its fast-growing nature, low environmental footprint, and wide applicability in eco-friendly products position it as an ideal driver of sustainable development.
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Experts believe that with the right policies, infrastructure, and investment, Tripura can emerge as a model state in bamboo-based innovation and trade. This would not only enhance self-reliance but also contribute significantly to India’s broader green economy goals.
As the World Bamboo Day celebrations concluded, the central message remained clear: bamboo is more than just a plant — it is a symbol of resilience, opportunity, and inclusive growth for Tripura’s future.
