National Bamboo Mission: Boosting Bamboo Sector Through Sustainable Development

The National Bamboo Mission is a centrally supported initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare aimed at developing a complete value chain for the bamboo sector in India. In the restructured format (effective during 2022-23), NBM has been integrated with the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme. Its primary focus is on increasing bamboo plantations on non-forest lands, enhancing post-harvest processing and quality upgradation, and promoting product development through R&D and market facilitation. The mission targets a cluster approach to link bamboo growers directly with consumers, thereby reducing import dependency and boosting farmers’ income.

Key Objectives

• Increase Bamboo Plantation:
  Expand the area under bamboo cultivation on government and private non-forest lands (e.g., farmers’ fields, homesteads, community lands, arable wastelands, and along irrigation canals) to supplement farm income and ensure availability of quality raw materials for industries.

• Enhance Post-Harvest Management:
  Develop primary processing units, treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies, and market infrastructure to improve the quality of bamboo products.

• Promote Product Development:
  Assist in R&D, entrepreneurship, and business model development at micro, small, and medium enterprise levels to foster innovative bamboo-based products.

• Revitalize the Bamboo Industry:
  Encourage innovations and policy support to reduce carbon emissions and promote domestic manufacturing by increasing bamboo productivity and suitability.

• Skill and Capacity Building:
  Facilitate skill development, awareness, and capacity building among bamboo growers and other stakeholders across the value chain.

Benefits

• Financial Support:

  • Subsidies and grants may be available for setting up bamboo nurseries, plantations, and post-harvest processing units.

  • Assistance for quality upgradation initiatives and for the development of innovative products.

• Market Linkages:
  Improved market infrastructure and brand building initiatives help connect growers with consumers.

• Holistic Development:
  The mission aims to create self-dependency in the bamboo sector, reduce import dependency, and boost the overall income of bamboo farmers.

Eligibility

• Beneficiary Types:

  • All farmers engaged in bamboo cultivation on non-forest lands.

  • Bamboo growers, including those from government and private sectors.

  • The scheme is applicable across various states; beneficiaries must follow state-specific guidelines.

• Requirements:

  • Beneficiaries must have access to land (whether owned or rented on a long-term lease) suitable for bamboo cultivation.

  • They should be willing to adopt modern cultivation practices, participate in training programs, and adhere to quality standards.

Note: Specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements may vary by state. Applicants are advised to consult their respective State Bamboo Mission Portal for detailed information.

Application Process

Mode: Online (state-specific portals) and/or Offline

1. Registration:
   Visit the respective State’s Bamboo Mission Portal to register and obtain the online application link.

2. Submission:

   • Fill out the online application form with all required details.

   • Provide bank details and other personal and project information.

   • Upload required documents in PDF format as specified by the portal.

3. Approval & Disbursement:

   • The application is scrutinized by state authorities.

   • Upon approval, beneficiaries receive credit-linked financing through scheduled/commercial banks.

   • Progress reporting and final project completion are monitored before disbursal of the subsidy into the beneficiary’s bank account.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar number

• Land documents (proof of land ownership or lease)

• Caste certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST or other categories)

• Phone details and contact information

• Bank details (account information)

• Recent photographs

• Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining the cultivation and processing plan

Note: The specific document checklist may vary depending on the type of intervention and the state’s guidelines. Applicants should consult their state’s official portal for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is this scheme a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme?
  The financial assistance is directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account once all conditions are met.

• Who will benefit from the NBM scheme?
  Farmers, bamboo growers, government agencies, artisans, private agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the bamboo value chain.

• What activities are covered under NBM?
  Activities include establishing bamboo nurseries, plantations, post-harvest processing units, and supporting R&D for quality upgradation and product development.

• Can a farmer with existing bamboo cultivation apply?
  Yes, provided they meet the state-specific eligibility criteria.

• What documents are required to apply?
  Required documents typically include Aadhaar, land documents, caste certificate (if applicable), bank details, photographs, and a detailed project report.

• How to apply?
  Applications are submitted online via the respective State’s Bamboo Mission Portal; guidelines and application forms are available on the official portal.

• What is the timeline?
  The timeline and deadlines vary by state; applicants should check the official portal for state-specific submission deadlines.

• How does the scheme promote quality upgradation?
  It supports infrastructure development, technological improvements, and market linkages to ensure higher quality bamboo products and greater incomes for farmers.