This Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 2921, answered on August 6, 2025, addresses the issue of profitability for bamboo farmers and artisans in the Northeast region of India. The response from the Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, clarifies the following points:
* **Fair Prices and Profits:** The primary responsibility for ensuring fair prices and profits rests with the State Governments. The National Bamboo Mission (NBM), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, supplements state efforts by developing the bamboo value chain, linking growers with artisans and consumers, and promoting bamboo cultivation, industries, value addition, and marketing. NBM also supports the establishment of bamboo bazaars and retail outlets.
* **Quality Standards and Certification:** The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced standards for various bamboo products (e.g., mat boards, panels, composites) to facilitate wider adoption according to specified quality requirements. DoNER has consulted with stakeholders to help bamboo growers and artisans meet export standards.
* **Promotion of Bamboo in Urban Housing and Commercial Projects:** The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs is encouraging the use of innovative bamboo-based building materials. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has incorporated engineered bamboo products into its standard Schedule of Rates and specifications, including an amendment to Delhi's Schedule of Rates in 2017. The Assam Cabinet has approved the inclusion of engineered bamboo composite materials into the Public Works Department's Schedule of Rates, mandating at least 5% bamboo-based material in new public buildings, to boost the bamboo industry and promote sustainable construction.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the development of the North Eastern Region.
Northeast: Refers to the North Eastern Region of India.
Shri Dilip Saikia: A member of the Lok Sabha who posed the question regarding bamboo farmers.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar: The Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
National Bamboo Mission (NBM): A mission under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to develop the bamboo value chain.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): The national standards body of India responsible for setting quality standards for various bamboo products.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: A ministry of the Government of India that encourages the use of innovative bamboobased building materials.
Assam: A state in the North Eastern Region of India that has approved the inclusion of engineered bamboo composite materials in the Public Works Department's Schedule of Rates.
Government of India
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. †2921
To be answered on
Wednesday, August 06, 2025/Sravana 15, 1947 (Saka)
QUESTION
Profit to Bamboo Farmers in the Northeast
†2921. Shri Dilip Saikia:
Will the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region be pleased to state:
(a) the steps being taken by the Government to ensure fair prices and profits to local
bamboo farmers and artisans in the Northeast;
(b) whether the quality standards and certification processes are being implemented
to meet international export requirements;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating on any policy measures to promote
large-scale adoption of bamboo-based furniture in urban housing and commercial
projects; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
The Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
[Dr. Sukanta Majumdar]
(a) Development of bamboo sector, which includes ensuring fair prices and profits to
local bamboo farmers and artisans, is primary responsibility of State Governments. As
per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
augments the efforts of the State Governments on developing the bamboo value chain
by linking bamboo growers with artisans and consumers. It promotes bamboo
cultivation,bamboo-based industries, value addition, marketing of bamboo and its
products, especially in the North Eastern Region of India. There is a provision underNBM for promotion and development of infrastructure for bamboo market by supporting
the public and private sector to establish bamboo bazaar, retail outlets, etc.
(b) to (d) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced several standards for
ensuring quality of various bamboo products such as Bamboo Mat Boards, Panels,
Corrugated Sheets, Composites, etc. for facilitating their wider adoption as per specified
quality requirements. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has
carried out consultation with multiple stakeholders and potential partners so that the
bamboo growers and artisans are capable to meet various standards required for
export.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has been encouraging the use of innovative
bamboo-based building materials through its agencies. The Central Public Works
Department (CPWD) has incorporated engineered bamboo products into its standard
Schedule of Rates and specifications. Notably, CPWD’s Delhi Schedule of Rates was
amended to include “Bamboo Wood” composite materials in 2017.
Recently, Assam Cabinet has approved inclusion of engineered bamboo Composite
Materials into the Public Works Department's Schedule of Rates, mandating at least 5%
of bamboo-based material in construction of new public buildings. This initiative aims to
boost the bamboo industry, create economic opportunities for local producers, and
encourage sustainable construction practices.
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