Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme for Bamboo Industry

Bamboo is one of the most resourceful groups of plants that are capable of providing ecological, economic, and livelihood security to the people. Until recently, it has remained confined to the forests (12.8% of forest cover); two-thirds of the growing stock is located in the North-Eastern States. The importance of the crop industry is high as a source of raw material for domestic use with its growing demand all over the country constraining its cultivation in farmlands as well.

With a view to holding the potential of the bamboo crop, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme called Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in which the National Bamboo Mission is being served as a subsidy-scheme.

The Mission conceptualizes promoting comprehensive growth of the bamboo sector by adopting an area-based, regionally changed strategy and increasing the area under bamboo cultivation and marketing. Under the Bamboo Subsidy Mission, steps have been taken to increase the availability of quality bamboo planting material for supporting the setting up of new nurseries and gaining strength in existing ones. To address growth integration, the Mission is taking steps to strengthen the marketing of bamboo products, especially those of handicraft items.

Bamboo Subsidy Scheme Funding Pattern

• The farmers or the entrepreneurs involved in the bamboo sectors should contribute 10% of the total project cost.
• The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, disburses 50% of the total project cost in the form of subsidy to the general states and 10% to the NER states.
• The remaining 40% is obtained in the form of bank loans.

Objectives of Bamboo Subsidy Scheme

• To promote the growth of the bamboo sector through an area-based regionally differentiated strategy.
• To increase the coverage of area under bamboo in potential areas, with improved varieties to enhance yields.
• To promote the marketing of bamboo and bamboo-based handicrafts.
• To establish convergence and synergy among stakeholders for the development of bamboo.
• To promote, develop and disseminate technologies through a seamless blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge.
• To generate employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed youths.

Which States/ districts are covered for the “Bamboo Subsidy Scheme”?

The Mission will focus on the development of bamboo in limited States where it has the social, commercial, and economical advantage, particularly in the North-Eastern region and States including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Also Read:- https://tractornews.in/articles/capital-investment-subsidy-scheme/