Maharashtra plans bamboo mission, seeks Tripura’s expertise for sustainable growth

Maharashtra is likely to embark on its own Bamboo Mission, seeking inspiration and collaboration from Tripura, a state renowned for its thriving bamboo sector. 

In a bid to foster this new initiative Maharashtra’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Pankaja Munde, arrived in Agartala on Tuesday to attend a review meeting at the Bamboo and Cane Development Institute.

With its abundant and diverse bamboo resources, Tripura stands as a leader in India's bamboo sector. The state is home to 21 of the 130 bamboo species found across the country and contributes a staggering 60% of the national demand for bamboo sticks used in Agarbatti (incense stick) production.

Speaking on Maharashtra’s aspirations, Minister Munde emphasized the importance of learning from Tripura’s expertise.

“This is my first visit to explore how Tripura cultivates and utilizes bamboo across industries. I have been introduced to various species and will attend a meeting to understand the ecosystem, climatic conditions, and industrial applications,” she stated.

She further highlighted the potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource, citing its role in industrial use, construction, and environmental conservation.

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“In China, massive structures are being built using bamboo. We are considering similar possibilities. As the Environment Minister, I aim to expand green zones and forests, creating employment opportunities for rural communities and farmers. If all goes well, we would like to sign an MoU with the Tripura government and take their guidance in launching Maharashtra’s Bamboo Mission. Let’s move forward together for a greener future,” she added.

With sustainability at its core, this collaboration could unlock immense economic and ecological benefits, positioning bamboo as a game-changer in Maharashtra’s industrial and environmental landscape.