National Bamboo Conclave 2026 organised with the joint support of One Future Foundation and Bharateeyam Trust
By Payal Banarjee
Bhubaneswar, Jan.9:The National Bamboo Conclave 2026 was successfully organised today in Bhubaneswar with the joint support of One Future Foundation and Bharateeyam Trust, bringing together policymakers, sector experts, bamboo farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, researchers and civil society partners from across the country.
Shri Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Hon’ble Minister, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha, attended the conclave as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the event. On the occasion, he stated that the State Government is committed to developing Odisha as one of the leading states in India in bamboo cultivation and bamboo-based industries.
Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Hon’ble Minister, MSME Department, Government of Odisha, was also present and highlighted that the promotion and development of bamboo-based industries is a key priority and commitment of the Government of Odisha.
Among others, Shri Kartik V., Project Director, Odisha Bamboo Development Agency; Smt. Rebekah Rubens, World Bamboo Ambassador; Advisor, Shri Guru Prasad Mishra and, Shri Sudhakar Pahi from Bhartiyam Trust were and
Sir Sarada Prasad Panda former Addl. Secretary to Government of Odisha and Chief Coordinator of National Bamboo Conclave-2026 present and shared their views.
The Conclave focused on bamboo as a green resource, highlighting its critical role in sustainable development, rural livelihoods, environmental conservation and green economic growth. Experts emphasised that bamboo is not only an eco-friendly raw material, but also a major source of income and employment, particularly for rural and tribal communities.
Odisha has a long cultural and livelihood association with bamboo. Bamboo-based artisans, women’s self-help groups and micro-entrepreneurs across the State are contributing significantly to the rural economy by developing value-added bamboo products, handicrafts, lifestyle products and eco-friendly alternatives.
The Conclave underlined the need for:
- Skill development and capacity building for artisans and entrepreneurs
- Strengthening bamboo-based micro and small enterprises
- Expanding market linkages at national and international level
- Promoting innovation and value addition in bamboo products
- Encouraging sustainable harvesting and scientific cultivation
The Government of Odisha reiterated its commitment to promoting bamboo as a key pillar of the Green Economy, through support for MSMEs, market promotion, financial inclusion, enterprise growth and livelihood development.
Stakeholders agreed that bamboo holds immense potential to generate employment, empower women and tribal communities, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to climate-resilient growth.
The Conclave served as an important platform for collaboration between government, industry, development partners and community institutions, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive bamboo-based growth ecosystem.
