CCEA approves restructured National Bamboo Mission

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) during remaining period of 14th Finance Commission (2018-20) with an outlay of Rs. 1290 crore. The restructured mission will ensure holistic development of bamboo sector by addressing complete value chain and establish effective linkage of producers (farmers) with industry.

Empowerment of Executive Committee

CCEA has also approved Empowerment of Executive Committee for formulation of guidelines of NBM and make changes therein, including cost norms for various interventions from time-to-time as per needs felt and specific recommendations of states with approval of Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Objectives of restructured NBM

• Increase area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change.
• Improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units, treatment and seasoning plants, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure.
• Promote product development at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry. Rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India.
• Promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector.

Beneficiaries: The restructured mission will benefit directly and indirectly farmers as well as local artisans and associated personnels engaged in bamboo sector including associated industries. It will directly benefit about one lakh farmers as it has proposed to bring about one lakh ha area under plantation. It is expected to establish about 4000 treatment and product development units and bring more than 100000 ha area under plantation.
States/districts to be covered: The restructured mission will focus on development of bamboo in limited states where it has social, commercial and economical advantage, particularly in North Eastern region and in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Impact: The bamboo plantation will contribute in optimizing farm productivity and income thereby enhancing livelihood opportunities of small and marginal farmers including landless and women as well as provide quality material to industry. The restructured mission will serve as potential instrument for enhancing income of farmers and also contribute towards climate resilience and environmental benefits. It will also help in creating employment generation directly or indirectly in both skilled and unskilled segments.

National Bamboo Mission (NBM)

NBM, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme was started in 2006-07. It was subsumed under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) during 2014-15 and continued till 2015-16. It aims to promote growth of bamboo sector through area based regionally differentiated strategy.

Objectives

• Increase coverage area under bamboo in potential areas, with improved varieties to enhance yields.
• Promote marketing of bamboo and bamboo based handicrafts.
• Establish convergence and synergy among stake-holders for the development of bamboo.
• Promote, develop and disseminate technologies through seamless blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge.
• Generate employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed youths.

The NBM mainly emphasized on propagation and cultivation of bamboo, with limited efforts on processing, product development and value addition. There is weak linkage between farmers (producers) and industry. The restructured mission addresses the complete value chain for growth of the bamboo sector.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018