Bamboonomics: A Roll Plan for Tribal Prosperity; TRIFED and GIZ Unites for Bamboo Propagation and Bamboo charcoal

1.2 Million ha of land are subject to degradation per year affecting 1.5 billion people (20 % of world’s population).The World population has tripled since 1950 form 2.5 billion to 7.5 billion) and it is expected to increase by almost a third by 2050/Changes in food habits coupled with rising consumption levels: individual daily consumption average has increased by 5 % between 2000 and 2015 (FAO) and all continue to grow thus generating an increase in demand for land. 33 % of food produced per year for human consumption is wasted. The part of the global population living in cities would increase by around 2.5 million people by 2050, which could bring the urbanized area to 5% instead of 3% currently registered.

Land based solutions are vital for implementing the post 2015 development agenda but it is highly required to ensure the synergies between forestry, agriculture, water and other land uses. There is an urgent need to enhance the effectiveness and upscale our programs and projects.

The Tribal Ministry is on its way creating an innovative platform for the tribal enterprises in the country. The Tribal Minister Mr. Arjun Munda launched the Bamboo movement for combating desertification and the climate change at the concluding day side events at UNCCD COP 14 at “The Indian Perspective through Bamboonomics. Capacity building regarding for creating  links between all agreement and conventions at national level are needed and will be done said the Minister. He reiterated the importance of indigenous people of our country who actually protect the forests for us. Capacity Building for Projects design, implementation and monitoring will be done with respect to Bamboo. The expertise of the tribal community will definitely be taken into consideration. 

Shri Pravir Krishna, MD, TRIFED introduced the “The 4P1000 Initiative: The Tribal Perspective through Bamboonomics” in the side event and explained the genesis of the revolution during the global meet (COP 14 of UNCCD) in New Delhi on the 13th September’19. The Project entitled Bamboonomics has been designed in such a way that while doing the environmental services, the tribals will be earning. Bamboonomics also is designed keeping in mind The Van Dhan Scheme, an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the new global environmental intervention termed as TRIFED’s initiative to Combat Desertification (TICD). TICD seeks to improve tribal incomes through value addition of tribal products and a business model has been proposed to supplement the income of the tribal community.

TICD is based on Bamboo propagation and bamboo charcoal. TICD will not ignore the side income and improved livelihood possibilities through bio-char. The idea is based on Bamboonomics. The roll out plan for prosperity to generate immediate income not just by carbon sequestration and soil improvement, but also through product marketing.

TRIFED’S Proposed Model

• Sell Activated Charcoal to companies who produce cosmetics, toothpastes, air purifiers etc

• A good market for Charcoal balls

• One Bamboo pole can make 600-900 gms of activated charcoal 

• Utilize the bamboo waste created while making agarbattis round sticks, to make charcoal.

• To fine tune its Van-Dan Scheme, TRIFED conducted a National Workshop to promote trial enterprise in bamboo, honey etc.

• Partnered with GIZ and launched the Bamboonomics: A Roll Plan for Tribal Prosperity

• Globalization of Van Dan Scheme will provide the constant upgradation in terms of Knowledge and technology for a sustained growth.

• It will help in entering International Market for activated charcoal.

• Interacting with international experts will help gain in confidence and will provide social upliftment.

• Achieving the anticipated 5 million hectare goal can fetch US $23 billion per year in net benefits from watershed protection, improved crop yields and forest products and could sequester 0.24 gigatons of CO2 equivalent annually.