FMC Plans To Bridge India’s Bamboo Market Gap with China In 10-Years

ENA MSME 2024-12-18 14:54:20 New Delhi, Dec 18 (KNN) Indias bamboo sector holds immense untapped potential, with 13.96 million hectares under bamboo cultivation, the second-largest globally. Yet, India contributes a mere 3-4 per cent to the global bamboo market, dwarfed by Chinas 65 per cent dominance. A transformative 10-year plan proposed by the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) aims to bridge this gap, significantly increasing Indias market share and economic impact. Mukesh Gulati, Executive Director of FMC, highlighted the stark disparity in a recent note, attributing Chinas success to a systematic, long-term vision. Chinas bamboo industry thrives on private plantations ensuring a steady supply of quality raw materials and integrated value chains that optimise resources, where waste from one process fuels another, he stated. In contrast, India, despite its larger bamboo cultivation area, struggles due to systemic challenges. To address these, three states — Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tripura — are pioneering revival efforts. Maharashtras Atal Bamboo Samruddhi Yojna focuses on private and public cultivation, fostering rural entrepreneurship and market linkages. Madhya Pradesh integrates bamboo cultivation with employment schemes like MGNREGA, empowering self-help groups to manage plantations. Tripura leverages traditional knowledge and modern techniques to create export-oriented clusters for housing and furniture. These initiatives underscore how strategic interventions can add value, generate employment, and boost economic impact, said Gulati. FMCs 10-Year Plan envisions scaling bamboos economic value from Rs 12,507 crore to Rs 52,246 crore, creating over 20 lakh jobs. Key elements include scientific cultivation to enhance productivity to 40 tonnes per acre annually, prioritisation of engineered bamboo, biomass fuels, and eco-friendly practices, along with public-private partnerships. However, the plans success hinges on breaking silos between ministries. While the National Bamboo Mission is led by the Ministry of Agriculture, effective growth demands coordination with industries, rural development, and export councils, Gulati emphasised. By implementing a cohesive strategy, India could position itself as a global leader in sustainable bamboo products, transforming the sector into a powerhouse of economic and environmental significance. (KNN Bureau) 40293 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/msme/fmc-plans-to-bridge-indias-bamboo-market-gap-with-china-in-10-years 2024-12-18 14:54:20 knnindia.co.in FMC Plans To Bridge India’s Bamboo Market Gap with China In 10-Years