Introduction

Tripura Bamboo Mission (TBM) is an initiative of the Government of Tripura  for integrated development of bamboo sector in the state. The Mission’s objectives of scaling up turnover of Bamboo sector and simultaneously increasing livelihood opportunities for poor are sought to be achieved through cluster development approach involving institution building, technological linkage, better market and credit facilities coupled with resource upgradation, working on a project mode. Majority of the beneficiaries are women and minorities who comprise of the poorest sections of the population in the state.

Tripura Bamboo Mission, launched by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Tripura during 2007, had an initial objective of enhancing turnover of bamboo sector from Rs. 27.9 crores to Rs. 75.85 crores by 2010. By the mid-term review in 2009 through various initiatives and activities, the mission had scaled up state’s turnover to Rs.56.56 crore by 2009-10 and Rs. 115.56 crore by 2012-13. Basing on the pace of reforms and taking advantage of the extension of the project, the TBM has revised its target of turnover achievement to Rs. 200 crore at the end of FY 2016-17. The TBM has so far exceeded in not only consolidating the bamboo sector in Tripura but has also initiated a number of activities for value addition and scaling up of the production to realize the market potential of the sector.

Tripura Bamboo Mission is now a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. TBM is headed by the Chief Secretary, Government of Tripura and the General Body comprises of Secretaries and Head of Departments of Forests, Industry, Handicrafts, Rural Development, Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare and Finance apart from stakeholders from Industry, Society,  Financing Institutions etc.

Vision

To make Tripura as the hub of bamboo based sustainable  micro, small and medium industries in the country by mobilizing the local natural and human resources and enable structured growth in the sector by strong institution building and market linkage.

Objectives

  • To sustain the growth achieved in the bamboo sector and increase the current turnover to 200 crores by March 2017.
  • Build the bamboo sector as a major livelihood provider and provide employment opportunities to 20,000 poor producers in the sector.
  • Provide critical production and commercial infrastructure, technology, marketing support, capacity building and product diversification, to build competitiveness and ensure sustainable development of the clusters

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Strategy

  • Build sustainable bamboo based livelihoods based on a cluster based approach
  • Develop an institutional structure owned and managed by grassroots producers & their federations
  • Build their enterprises based on commercially sustainable business models
  • Provide infrastructure, skill training, design support and direct market linkages
  • Mobilize private investment in the bamboo sector in areas like bamboo composites, mechanized sticks and other industrial products
  • Promote plantation in non-forest areas, private land holdings and homestead plantations