Officials call for connecting growers with processors & artisans
Panaji: Goa’s bamboo cultivation sector is struggling due to weak market linkages, lack of processing infrastructure and low commercial demand, with nearly 50,000 bamboo saplings lying unused in government nurseries despite efforts to promote cultivation, senior Forest Department officials said on Friday.
The issue was raised during a panel discussion on ‘Promotion and conservation of native bamboo by engaging locals for nurseries, cultivation, and ensuring forward linkages – Roadmap for Goa’, organised as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 celebrations at Lok Bhavan.
“Cultivators are ready to grow bamboo, but there are no proper market linkages. We also do not have primary and secondary processing centres in Goa,” said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kamal Datta.
Stating that Goa’s climate is suitable for bamboo cultivation, he said that the sector could expand if growers are connected directly to processors and artisans. Datta proposed setting up a Bamboo Board involving multiple departments to streamline policy implementation and coordination.
He also suggested common facility centres in North and South Goa to support artisans producing bamboo-based products.
“This can create employment opportunities for cultivators living in forest areas,” Datta said.
Highlighting ecological benefits, he said bamboo grows rapidly in landslide-prone areas and can also be cultivated on abandoned mining dumps.
Director of Agriculture Sandeep Fol Dessai said the government is considering constituting a Bamboo Board either under the Agriculture Department or the Forest Department to facilitate subsidies and schemes for growers.
Referring to Goa’s khazan ecosystem, Fol Dessai said bamboo cultivation could help strengthen embankments and support conservation of khazan lands. “Though bamboo is not our main crop, it can become an effective intercrop,” he said.
Kamesh Salam, managing director of Can and Bamboo Value Chain Management OPC Pvt Ltd and founder of South Asia Bamboo Foundation, said India’s bamboo sector needs reforms to compete with cheaper imports from China and Vietnam. He cited high domestic costs, weak processing infrastructure and regulatory hurdles.
Salam said linking farmers, tribal communities, processors and markets would be necessary to make bamboo cultivation economically sustainable in Goa.
