Gadkari Makes A Case For Greater Use Of Bamboo, Foresees Industry Touching Rs 30,000 Crore In Market Value

There is a need to increase demand for bamboo which has the potential to be used as an alternative to coal and can also be used in construction, said MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari while addressing a virtual exhibition on Bamboo Technology, Products and Services through video conferencing recently.

The exhibition was organised by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).

In his address, Gadkari said that the use of jute and coir mattresses was soon going to be made mandatory for all NHAI roads.

He advocated varied use of traditional materials like jute, coir and bamboo by developing them further.

Gadkari expressed hope that, with integrated efforts from all stakeholders, the bamboo industry in India will be worth Rs 30,000 crore rupees in the future.

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 said.

He assured all assistance from the Ministry of MSME for any scheme related to promotion of bamboo.

"We need more research, better approaches for product development, as well as market support, the Minister said.

He also said that he was trying to get 50 per cent subsidy from the Railways for bamboo and bamboo sticks and exuded confidence that by increasing the use and requirement of bamboo, it will lead to an increase in its plantation.

Bamboo can also be used to make bio-CNG and charcoal and the IITs can be roped in to conduct further research on this with the help of special grants from the Bamboo Mission.