Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has highlighted the immense economic potential of bamboo and described it as the state’s “Green Gold”, calling on young people to explore opportunities in the sector for entrepreneurship, employment generation and sustainable development. Speaking after inaugurating the Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo & Cane Technology Centre at Gungu near Itanagar, the Chief Minister said the newly established facility would play a crucial role in transforming the state’s abundant bamboo resources into value-added products while creating new livelihood opportunities for artisans, self-help groups, entrepreneurs and unemployed youth. Addressing the gathering, Khandu said bamboo has long been deeply connected to the social, cultural and economic life of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal communities. He noted that while bamboo has traditionally been used in daily life across the state, there is now significant scope to expand its commercial and industrial applications.
“Bamboo is not a new subject for us. It has always been an integral part of the social, cultural and economic life of our tribal communities,” Khandu said. He added that the new technology centre would serve as a hub for innovation, skill development, value addition and the commercialisation of bamboo-based products. Arunachal Pradesh possesses the second-largest bamboo stock in the country and is home to more than 60 bamboo species. The Chief Minister said this rich natural resource gives the state a unique advantage in developing a strong bamboo-based economy that can generate employment and contribute significantly to overall economic growth. Highlighting the growing demand for bamboo across various industries, Khandu said the resource is no longer limited to traditional uses. He pointed out that bamboo is increasingly being utilised in furniture manufacturing, construction, textiles, biofuel production and even aviation fuel development, making it an important raw material for several emerging sectors. The Chief Minister also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing policy reforms that removed bamboo from the category of trees under forest regulations. According to Khandu, the decision helped simplify cultivation and commercial utilisation of bamboo, encouraging farmers, entrepreneurs and investors to engage more actively in the sector.
He urged unemployed youth, particularly those from the Gungu and Sangdupota regions, to make full use of the training and skill development opportunities available at the newly inaugurated centre. Khandu said that with proper training and support, bamboo-based enterprises could access both national and international markets through digital platforms and government-backed entrepreneurship schemes. “The opportunities are immense. Bamboo products can reach customers far beyond the state through e-commerce and modern marketing channels,” he said while encouraging young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the available resources. The Chief Minister also stressed the potential of bamboo-based prefabricated housing technology. He described such structures as lightweight, affordable and environmentally friendly, making them particularly suitable for the earthquake-prone Himalayan region. He said the adoption of bamboo housing solutions could help promote sustainable construction practices while reducing costs. Recognising the need for a long-term strategy, Khandu directed officials and experts of the Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resources and Development Agency (APBRDA) to prepare a comprehensive bamboo policy. He said the roadmap should focus on bamboo cultivation, regeneration, processing, marketing and industrial utilisation to ensure sustainable growth of the sector.The Chief Minister further underlined the importance of skill development in the state. He noted that Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing rapid infrastructure expansion, including major hydropower projects, which will require a large pool of skilled workers in the coming years. He said the government must prepare the state’s workforce to meet future demands and ensure that local youth benefit from emerging employment opportunities. Strengthening vocational training and technical education, he added, would be essential for supporting both the bamboo industry and other growing sectors of the economy.
