States » WestPosted at: Sep 27 2026 6:53PM


Promote bamboo economy for sustainable development: Maha Gov

Mumbai, Sep 27 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Sunday called for expanding the use of bamboo through modern technology, research and commercialisation to promote sustainable development, create jobs and protect the environment.
Addressing the Bamboo Economy and Sustainability Summit 2026 at The Westin, Powai, organised against the backdrop of World Bamboo Day, the Governor said bamboo should not be limited to traditional uses.
He said bamboo could serve as an alternative to plastic while creating employment opportunities and supporting environmental protection. Along with increasing bamboo cultivation, greater focus should be placed on developing a wide range of value-added bamboo products, he added.
The Governor inaugurated the summit by watering a bamboo sapling and lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Various sessions were held during the day on climate change, sustainable development, employment generation and economic opportunities in the bamboo sector. Bamboo farmers, entrepreneurs and representatives from 13 states attended the summit.
Mr Varma said bamboo was a natural resource closely linked with India's social, cultural and economic life. It is already being used to make jewellery, cups, decorative items and several household products.
He called for coordinated efforts to make bamboo an affordable, durable and easily available alternative to plastic through research, modern technology and commercialisation.
Bamboo can also contribute to addressing climate change along with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power and green hydrogen, he said.
"Sustainable development, which balances environmental protection, economic development and social progress, is a collective responsibility," the Governor said.
Speaking on the occasion, Maharashtra Minister for Employment Guarantee Scheme, Horticulture and Kharsan Land Bharat Gogawale said there was a need to create greater awareness about bamboo cultivation and promote bamboo-based industries to provide farmers with additional income and employment opportunities.
He said the Maharashtra Government was providing financial assistance for bamboo cultivation and support for maintenance during the first three years after plantation.
"Bamboo cultivation along with regular farming can become a useful supplementary activity for farmers," Mr Gogawale said.
He added that bamboo had considerable potential for manufacturing a variety of products and establishing industries, and said the government would provide necessary guidance and support for developing the sector.
Maharashtra State Agriculture Price Commission Chairman and Chief Minister's Task Force on Environment and Sustainable Development Executive Chairman Pasha Patel said expanding bamboo cultivation in the state could help increase green cover, generate employment and promote economic development.
In the context of global warming and climate change, bamboo could emerge as an important sustainable alternative, he said.
Mr Patel also said bamboo could play a role in the state's Rs 300-crore tree plantation initiative.
Gujarat Minister of State for Water Resources and Water Supply (Independent Charge) Ishwarsinh Patel, KP Group Founder and Chairman Dr Farooq Patel, Swami Dr Satya Prakash Saraswati, Gyancharit Das Swamiji, Maulana Juzaifa Vastanvi, Teflaz Director Adil Singh and other representatives from the bamboo industry, farming and entrepreneurial sectors attended the summit.
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