GUWAHATI: Assam’s rich bamboo reserves, often called 'Green Gold', are fueling sustainable growth, economic development, and industrial innovation. The “Bamboo: Green Gold Potential of Assam” session held during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit 2025 showcased the sector’s potential for large-scale industry and eco-friendly businesses.
The session brought together leaders and experts to discuss how bamboo can be utilized for sustainable industries, including construction, packaging, biofuels, and furniture manufacturing.
Dr. Abhinav Kant, Director of the Bamboo & Cane Development Institute, Agartala, opened the session with an insightful overview of bamboo’s modern applications. As the panel moderator, he highlighted its transformative potential in construction, biofuels, handicrafts, and technology.
In his keynote speech, Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Atul Bora emphasized the Assam government’s dedication to establishing bamboo as the pillar of sustainable industrialization. He highlighted bamboo’s cultural significance in Assamese tradition and its increasing influence on economic growth, highlighting new policies and incentives to attract investment and foster entrepreneurship.
The panel discussion featured industry pioneers including Sanjeev Karpe (MD, Native Conbac), Nikunja Borthakur (Advisor, NRL), Dr. Sonali Ghosh (Field Director, Kaziranga National Park), and Dr. Nitin Kulkarni (Director, ICFRE-RFRI). They explored bamboo’s potential in large-scale construction, sustainable packaging, furniture manufacturing, and global trade.
Sanjeev Karpe showcased groundbreaking bamboo-based interior design projects and value-added products, highlighting bamboo’s potential to transform sustainable architecture.
Dr. Sonali Ghosh highlighted the importance of bamboo farming in agroforestry and climate resilience, noting that it can provide fast and varied income, especially for rural communities. She also stressed the importance of involving women in making and processing bamboo products.
Nikunja Borthakur explained bamboo’s market potential, sharing that NRL’s bio-ethanol plant uses 100 truckloads of bamboo every day to make 60 million liters of fuel each year which creates a huge opportunity for bamboo farmers.
Dr. Nitin Kulkarni promoted tissue culture to boost bamboo production and meet demand. He highlighted the need for awareness, skill development, and financial support to ensure long-term growth in the sector.
The session ended with a call for more research and better infrastructure to grow Assam’s bamboo industry. With government support and investor interest, Assam aims to become India’s leading center for bamboo-based industries.
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