New Delhi (NVI): Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari today said that bamboo industry will be worth Rs 25-30,000 crore in India with integrated efforts from all stakeholders and bamboo can also be used in construction.
“Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari addressed a virtual exhibition on Bamboo Technology, Products and Services through video conferencing on Tuesday,” the Ministry of MSME said in a statement.
The exhibition was organised by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).
In his address, Gadkari said that there is a need to increase demand for bamboo, adding that bamboo has potential to be used as an alternative to coal and can also be used in construction.
He also said that use of jute and coir mattresses is soon going to be made mandatory for all National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) roads. Gadkari advocated varied use of traditional materials like jute, coir and bamboo by developing them further.
The minister expressed hope that, with integrated efforts from all stakeholders, bamboo industry in India will be worth 25-30 thousand crore rupees.
“Technologically proven, cost effective and attractive product designing can establish and promote the use and demand of bamboo, which will encourage people to go for bamboo plantation,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.
During the virtual exhibition, Gadkari assured all assistance from Ministry of MSME for any scheme related to promotion of bamboo and added that we need more research, more appropriate approach for product development, market support.
The minister also informed that he is trying to get 50 per cent subsidy from Indian Railways for bamboo and bamboo sticks and exuded confidence that by increasing use and requirement of bamboo will lead to increase in its plantation.
Gadkari further said that bamboo can also be used to make bio-CNG and charcoal and IITs can be roped in to conduct further research on this with help of special grants from Bamboo Mission.
-RJV
