The restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in 2018-19 with the core objective of developing the complete value chain of the bamboo sector to linking growers with consumers, starting from plantation to marketing, micro, small and medium enterprises, skilled manpower and brand building initiative in a cluster approach mode. The mission aims to increase the total area under bamboo plantations in non-forest government and private lands to increase farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change.
Scheme Overview:
Scheme Name: National Bamboo Mission
Scheme Modified: Restructured in 2018-19
Scheme Fund Allocated: The scheme has a budget allocation of Rs. 1290 crore for the period from 2020-21 to 2022-23
Type of Government Scheme: Central government
Sponsored / Sector Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Website to apply: http://nbm.nic.in/
Helpline No.: 011-23382384
Features of National Bamboo Mission:
| Features | Description |
| Objective | To increase the total area under bamboo cultivation and improve post-harvest management through the establishment of new nurseries, capacity building and provision of necessary infrastructure and facilities. |
| Implementation | The mission is implemented through State Bamboo Development Agencies (SBDA) and Regional Bamboo Training Centers (RBTC). |
| Coverage | The mission covers 28 states and 2 Union Territories of India. |
| Funding | The Government of India provides financial assistance up to 100% for various activities under the mission, including the establishment of nurseries, promotion of bamboo-based industries, and research and development activities. |
| Activities | Focuses on activities such as the distribution of planting material, bamboo-based handicrafts and furniture, the establishment of common facility centers, skill development and marketing support. |
| Sustainability | The mission emphasizes promoting sustainable bamboo cultivation practices and developing bamboo-based value chains to create a source of livelihood for the rural population. |
| Collaboration | The mission involves collaboration with various stakeholders such as farmers, self-help groups, industry associations and research institutions to develop the bamboo sector in the country. |
Latest News about the scheme:
The Union Agriculture Minister has approved the formation of an Advisory Group to streamline the development of the Bamboo sector, which includes representation from various stakeholders. The group will contribute to the sector’s development by including synergy between all sectors of the bamboo value chain. The redesigned National Bamboo Mission is primarily concerned with developing the entire value chain of the bamboo business. It connects producers and consumers from planting material to the plantation, as well as the development of infrastructure for collecting, aggregation, processing, marketing, skilled labor, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and brand building activities. The adaptability of bamboo as an architectural and structural element has been established and the destiny of this green resource is described as the ‘green steel’. The National Bamboo Mission is working to provide the benefits of this burgeoning sector to the nation’s farmers and human resources. The Advisory Group, comprised of subject experts and other stakeholders, will advise the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on propagation, bamboo plantation and intercropping, primary processing, product development, value addition, market infrastructure and linkages, processing machineries, skill development and other issues and technologies.
Benefits of National Bamboo Mission:
- Increase in the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest government and private lands
- Supplement income for farmers
- Contribute towards resilience to climate change by promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly resource
- Connect farmers to markets, providing them with a ready market for the bamboo grown
- Upgrade the skills of traditional bamboo craftsmen, enabling them to improve their livelihoods
- Increase the supply of appropriate raw materials to the domestic industry, contributing to the growth of the sector
- Provide ecological, economic and livelihood security to the people, especially those in rural areas who depend on bamboo as a primary resource.
Drawback of the Scheme:
The National Bamboo Mission does not have any significant drawbacks. However, certain farmers who do not have access to non-forest government or private lands may not be able to benefit from the scheme.
How to Apply?
The National Bamboo Mission is implemented through the State Nodal Agencies (SNAs). Interested individuals can contact the respective SNA in their state to apply for the scheme.
Conclusion:
The National Bamboo Mission is a comprehensive scheme that aims to promote the growth and development of the bamboo industry in India. It seeks to increase bamboo production, improve the quality of bamboo products and provide employment opportunities to rural communities. Through its various initiatives, the mission aims to enhance the livelihoods of bamboo growers and artisans, promote sustainable forest management and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
