Union Minister for Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has said that discussions will be held with NITI Ayog for policy on bamboo-based employment. He said that employment generation in rural areas is the biggest challenge before the country. Addressing country's first Bamboo Investors Meet at Academy of Administration here in Bhopal on Saturday, he stressed on the need to increase bamboo production and product designing. There is no lack of market for good products. He said that talent and enterprise is not lacking in rural areas. Only opportunities need to be provided.
Gadkari said that plantation of bamboo saplings on the sides of National Highways will be started soon. Establishment of nurseries to produce good quality bamboo seeds and saplings should be considered. He said that right use of knowledge and technology results in prosperity. The Union Minister urged investors interested in bamboo production and bamboo-based industries to invest in Madhya Pradesh. lauding the state government for creating investment-friendly atmosphere in the state, he said that all necessary infrastructures are available in Madhya Pradesh.
He said that it is not beneficial for economy if less profit is earned through more production. Maximum number of people should be benefited with production. He said that political will is the biggest capital for development. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Namami Devi Narmade Abhiyan will be launched in Madhya Pradesh. Under the campaign, bamboo forests will be grown on the banks of Narmada. Bamboo will be made source of livelihood and prosperity in the state. Farmers in the state will be motivated to grow bamboos also. He said that a target has been set to plant 5 crore bamboo saplings in the state. It would be increased.
laying stress on creating new employment opportunities through bamboo production, Chouhan said that all facilities will be provided to bamboo investors. Private investment will be invited for upgradation of forests and creation of employment through forests. He said that continuous work is being undertaken to make Madhya Pradesh pioneer state of the country. State is maintaining double digit growth for last 7 years. Agriculture growth rate is highest in the country. Now, focus is being laid on increasing employment in the state. For this, investment will be promoted in new sectors.
Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar said that bamboo products need better marketing arrangements and good quality. Forest Committees have been delegated special powers by amending Forest Rules 2015 in the state. They can hold direct dialogue with investors. They should be inspired for forest protection and bamboo production.
Investors from various countries and large number of bamboo industry representatives attended the summit. At the outset, bamboo entrepreneurs and representatives of companies shared their experience regarding bamboo production and marketing. Author of Baans Gaan Mahesh Shrivastava was honoured at the event.