Parliament Question: Profit to Bamboo Farmers in the Northeast

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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