Project BOLD to Boost Tribals’ Income and Bamboo-based Economy

Context

A unique scientific exercise serving the combined national objectives of reducing desertification and providing livelihood and multi-disciplinary rural industry support has been initiated by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

• The project is named “Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought” (BOLD).

About the project BOLD

• The project is the first of its kind exercise in India, launched from the tribal village Nichla Mandwa in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
  • Under the project,special bamboo species such as Bambusa Tulda and Bambusa Polymorpha (specially brought from Assam) have been planted over the vacant arid Gram Panchayat land.
  • KVIC has created a world record of planting the highest number of bamboo saplings on a single day at one location.
• Project BOLD seeks to create bamboo-based green patches in arid and semi-arid land zones.
• It is aligned with the efforts for reducing land degradation and preventing desertification in the country.
• The initiative has been launched as part of KVIC’s “Khadi Bamboo Festival” to celebrate 75 years of independence “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
• KVIC is set to replicate the Project at Village Dholera in Ahmedabad district in Gujarat and Leh-Ladakh region by August this year.

Why Bamboo has chosen?

• Bamboos grow very fast and in about three years, they could be harvested.
• Bamboos are also known for conserving water and reducing evaporation of water from the land surface, which is an important feature in arid and drought-prone regions.

Significance of the project

• It will help in reducing the land degradation percentage of the country.
• It will support sustainable development and food security.
• The project would support self-employment in the region.
  • The projects will benefit a large number of women and unemployed youths in the region by connecting them to skill development programs.