Agartala: Tripura is rapidly establishing itself as a significant contributor to the bamboo industry, boasting an impressive 3,246 square kilometers of bamboo forests, spanning over 19 species. This accounts for roughly 31 percent of the state’s total land, making bamboo a vital resource for both traditional practices and industrial use.
Bamboo plays a crucial role in the lives of Tripura’s residents, particularly tribal communities, who utilize it for rural housing, agricultural tools, handicrafts, and food. The state’s bamboo sector has gained significant momentum, driven by the growth of bamboo-based industries. Tripura is renowned for its high-quality cane and bamboo handicrafts, which possess strong export potential.
Industrial applications of bamboo in Tripura include the production of bamboo tiles, laminated products, ply boards, and other construction materials. Bamboo farming is thriving in the region, with farmers cultivating bamboo for various products such as furniture, fishing poles, and javelins. The Tripura Bamboo Mission (TBM), launched in 2007, has been instrumental in driving the sector’s growth by enhancing bamboo plantations, handicrafts, incense sticks, and industrial applications.
The state government has established a Bamboo Park at Bodhjungnagar to provide infrastructure and promote bamboo-based industries. Furthermore, the government has adopted a bamboo policy for sustainable development and introduced High Density Bamboo Plantation (HDBP) technology to boost bamboo farming on private land. These initiatives have attracted both national and international attention, with significant growth potential for industrial ventures.
One notable success story in the industry is Mutha Industries Pvt. Ltd., which has established itself as a leader in bamboo-based production. The company, with its brand name EPITOME, has earned national and international recognition for the quality and variety of its bamboo products. Mutha Industries employs over 500 local workers and has played a pivotal role in expanding the bamboo industry in Tripura.
Rabin Bose, Vice President of Mutha Industries Pvt Ltd, stated that the company was the first successful unit to produce bamboo wood. “We started our commercial production in 2014. Initially, we focused on converting bamboo into timber, and over time, we have expanded our product range to include value-added items such as flooring, wall panels, doors, ceilings, and various types of furniture,” Bose said.
Tripura accounts for a significant portion of India’s bamboo stock, with 28 percent of the country’s total bamboo resources. The state’s 2,397 km square of bamboo forests constitute about 23 percent of its geographical area. Bamboo products from Tripura, particularly incense sticks, contribute to 60 percent of the national demand, highlighting the state’s importance in bamboo trade.
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