Restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM)

GS 2 Schemes

The Restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Government of India under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It was revamped in 2018-19 to boost bamboo sector development by promoting sustainable farming, processing, and product diversification.

Objectives of Restructured NBM

1. Increase Bamboo Cultivation
   • Promote commercial bamboo cultivation in non-forest and degraded land areas.
   • Encourage high-yield bamboo plantations in both government and private lands.
2. Strengthen Bamboo Industry & Value Chain
   • Develop bamboo-based industries by linking farmers with entrepreneurs.
   • Support processing, product development, and market expansion for bamboo-based goods.
3. Skill Development & Capacity Building
   • Train farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in modern bamboo cultivation and processing techniques.
4. Enhance Infrastructure
   • Support nurseries, processing units, and research institutions for bamboo development.
   • Improve transport and marketing infrastructure for bamboo products.
5. Environmental & Economic Benefits
   • Reduce dependence on traditional timber and promote eco-friendly alternatives.
   • Provide an alternative source of income and employment in rural areas.

Key Features of the Scheme

• 70% Central Assistance for general states and 90% for Northeastern states.
• Promotion of scientifically managed bamboo plantations in non-forest areas.
• Support for nurseries, including tissue culture labs, to ensure the supply of quality planting material.
• Encouragement for start-ups and MSMEs in the bamboo sector.
• Linkage with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to promote self-reliance.

Bamboo Legal Reforms

• The Indian Forest Act, 1927 was amended in 2017 to remove bamboo from the definition of trees, making its cultivation and trade easier for farmers.
• This reform helped boost private bamboo farming by eliminating the need for transit permits.

Challenges in Implementation

• Lack of awareness among farmers about the benefits and opportunities in bamboo cultivation.
• Market linkages and industrial demand need further strengthening.
• Infrastructure gaps in bamboo processing and product diversification.