New Delhi, Mar 23 (UNI) The bamboo industry in India can be Rs25-30 crore, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday, and assured all assistance from his ministry for any scheme related to promotion of bamboo.
The minister said that there is a need to increase demand for bamboo.
“We need more research, more appropriate approach for product development, market support,” Gadkari said, addressing a virtual exhibition on bamboo technology, products and services organised by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).
He said that bamboo has potential to be used as an alternative to coal and can also be used in construction.
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 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.
The minister also said that he is trying to get 50 per cent subsidy from the Railways for bamboo and bamboo sticks.
Gadkari advocated varied use of traditional materials like jute, coir and bamboo by developing them further, adding that use of jute and coir mattresses is soon going to be made mandatory for all NHAI roads.
He exuded confidence that by increasing use and requirement of bamboo will lead to increase in its plantation.
