Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is drafting a new bamboo policy and brand to promote sustainable livelihoods, employment, and organised growth in the sector.
Modelled on Maharashtra’s Bamboo Industry Policy-2025, it will focus on boosting production for domestic needs and exports.
The Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA) has tied up with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), an independent intergovernmental organisation, to prepare the policy. Key proposals include launch of “Odisha Bamboo” brand, setting up state-of-the-art bamboo industrial parks in Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Keonjhar, Rayagada, and Sundargarh for furniture, textiles, lifestyle products, and construction materials, establishing an Odisha Institute of Bamboo Technology for skill development, and creating a Rs 100-crore Bamboo Startup Fund.
Despite ranking 4th nationally in bamboo stock within recorded forest areas, Odisha lags at 10th for non-forest availability and remains unorganised due to lack of policy. “Odisha needs a bamboo policy as it could act as a strategic resource for the state in boosting livelihood considering its growing demand for housing, crafts as well as energy and industries sectors. Increasing bamboo production will also help the state in promoting climate resilience and green economy,” OBDA state mission director V Karthick told TNIE.
