Scientific bamboo harvesting training marks start of community forest economy pilot

A scientific bamboo harvesting training programme was launched at Jakalgundi village, marking the rollout of a unique community-centred bamboo management model that brings together forest conservation, women-led livelihoods, and sustainable local enterprise. The initiative is being implemented by the Malkangiri Forest Division, Kalimela Forest Range, in collaboration with local Gram Sabhas, the Maha Gram Sabha Kalimela, the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB), and the Kanam Raj Green Shakti Producer Company—a fully women-owned enterprise supported by the Department of Mission Shakti. The pilot is being run with support from the Odisha Bamboo Development Authority (OBDA). Professor Ashwini Chhatre, Executive Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, said that this pilot represents a grounded model of forest-based transformation. “It links scientific harvesting, community governance, women’s enterprise, and market systems into one integrated approach. By placing Adivasi women and Gram Sabhas at the centre, Kalimela can demonstrate how forest economies can generate shared prosperity while maintaining ecological integrity,” he added.