India's First Comprehensive Handbook on Bamboo Cultivation Released in Seven Languages

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Industree Foundation, unveiled India’s first comprehensive handbook on bamboo cultivation during the 'National Symposium on Bamboo' held yesterday. This pioneering handbook, now available in seven regional languages, is designed to empower smallholder women farmers with crucial knowledge and best practices in bamboo farming.

The symposium, which took place in Delhi, also saw the launch of the UGAO app—a digital tool aimed at supporting women smallholder farmers with real-time data. This app will facilitate a traceable supply chain for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, enhancing the demand and export potential of bamboo products.

Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, highlighted the dual benefits of bamboo cultivation, noting its role in improving livelihoods and supporting environmental conservation. He emphasized the program's alignment with sustainable development goals and its potential to provide enduring economic opportunities while aiding in climate resilience.

Alexandria Huerta, Acting Mission Director of USAID, underscored the importance of gender equality and locally led development in USAID's global strategy. She expressed satisfaction with the POWER project’s success in empowering women through bamboo farming, showcasing a locally adapted, natural climate solution that is being scaled through NRLM.

Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary of Rural Livelihoods at the Ministry of Rural Development, praised the initiative’s alignment with their mission to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. She believes the program will set a precedent for rural development and women's empowerment across India.

Neelam Chhiber, Co-founder of Industree Foundation, discussed the significant impact of bamboo cultivation on rural economies and women’s livelihoods. She mentioned that their efforts have established a sustainable income foundation for 5,500 farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra, with a projected income start in the fourth year and lasting for a minimum of forty years.

The symposium emphasized bamboo's potential as a sustainable alternative for various industries, aiming to boost livelihoods and contribute to environmental sustainability. Through this initiative, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana aims to transform 1 million rural women into 'Lakhpati Didis'—women earning over INR 100,000 annually—driving economic growth and sustainable development throughout India.

Industree Foundation’s collaboration with DAY-NRLM builds on the success of the USAID POWER project, which has created over 37 women-owned enterprises and farmer producer collectives, fulfilling market orders worth over USD 3 million in the past five years. This successful model is set to be expanded nationwide in partnership with State Rural Livelihoods Missions.

(Source: PIB)