Agenda for sustainable bamboo economy set at Assam conclave

Policymakers, business 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 conventional data with fashionable expertise, leveraging market-driven approaches, and fostering inclusive development to “build a resilient and globally competitive bamboo sector” that can contribute to sustainable growth and financial prosperity.

Experts at the Northeast Bamboo Conclave mentioned the area comprising eight States is essential for the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) to succeed. The northeast and a contiguous a part of West Bengal account for greater than 50% of the bamboo assets 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, said.

“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 mentioned.

Bamboo specialists agreed that the commissioning of India’s first bamboo-based bioethanol plant in japanese Assam’s Numaligarh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi might enhance the area’s bamboo economy. They have been additionally upbeat about investments in establishing manufacturing models for engineered bamboo, which might be essential for bamboo-based alternate options to wooden.

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