Dimapur, May 17 (MExN): The Department of Agriculture & Co-operation, Government of India has recently launched a centrally-sponsored scheme, ‘National Bamboo Mission’ for development of bamboo in the country. The cost of the mission is estimated at Rs. 3.68 billion with 100% assistance of the centre. The scheme will be implemented by the division of horticulture under the said agriculture & co-operation department in the center’s agriculture ministry. Under NBM an area of 1, 76, 000 hectares will be brought under bamboo cultivation in both forest and no-forest areas during the 10th and 11th five years plan. The mission is proposed to generate employment of 9.7 Lakh man-days and 50.5 million man-days through nursery and plantation activity.
The main objectives of NBM are to promote the growth of the bamboo sector through an area-based regionally-differentiated strategy and marketing of bamboo-based handicrafts; to promote, develop and disseminate technologies through a seamless blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge; to increase the coverage of areas under bamboo missions; to generate employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed youths.
The NBM has four major components – research and development, plantation development, handicrafts development and marketing. In order to technically support the NBM, four zonal Bamboo Technical Support Groups (BTSGs) have been identified where Cane & Bamboo Technical Center (CBTC), Guwahati has been designated as BTSG for all the eight NE states along with three eastern states – West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa.
The state activities relating to NBM will be implemented through the respective bamboo/forest development agencies or any other agencies approved by the respective state governments. The fund earmarked for 2006-2007 as approved by the National Level Steering Committee has been released to the respective states. Altogether, an amount of Rs. 6570.98 Lakh has been released to eight north eastern states under NBM.
.jpg)
