Pune, Dec 11 (PTI) An ambitious plan is afoot in Maharashtra to utilise a Rs 4 crore Central assistance to boost bamboo plantation and turn it into a means of livelihood for target groups.
The State Social Forestry Department, which received the first instalment of Rs 2 crore recently as part of the grant under National Bamboo Mission (NBM), is currently engaged in devising methods to grow plantations and train farmers, NGOs and self-help groups (SHGs) to generate a living from the bamboo industry, making it an organised one.
"The funds received by us are to be utilised by March 2011. In addition to extending the existing bamboo cover on the conducive forest and non-forest land, we have planned workshops to impart training in manufacturing bamboo furniture and handicrafts as part of a statewide skill building exercise, Social Forestry Director S W H Naqvi told PTI here.