Lok Sabha Question No. 2921 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Profit to Bamboo Farmers in the Northeast
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Shri Dilip Saikia

## 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 under

NBM 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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