बांस: आदिवासी जीवन का टिकाऊ रोज़गार | Bamboo for sustainable livelihood | Tribal Life

Tripura, once home to at least 21 varieties of bamboo, now hosts only 13 varieties due to various environmental and economic factors. Bamboo is intricately linked to every aspect of tribal life in Tripura, serving not only as a fundamental part of their daily existence but also as a potential driver for sustainable livelihoods.

In 2006, the Central Government launched the National Bamboo Mission to promote the cultivation of high-quality bamboo. This initiative aims to rejuvenate bamboo production, ensuring its availability for future generations while providing economic benefits to local communities.

Despite the mission's efforts, a significant gap exists between tribal bamboo artisans, tribals and broader markets. Bridging this gap is essential for promoting bamboo as a sustainable livelihood option. Proper policy measures from both the State and Central governments are crucial to enhancing the bamboo supply chain, improving market access, and ensuring that tribal communities receive fair value for their craftsmanship.