Exploring Bamboo and Biochar Potential: A Collaborative Meeting at Unakoti, Tripura

On 23rd November 2024, an important meeting was held at the Jalai Forest Beat Office, Unakoti District, Tripura, marking a significant step toward sustainable resource utilization and rural development. The meeting brought together key stakeholders — members of the Butui Hill Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), Assistant Professor Dr. Harjeet Nath, and Professor Dr. Sabyashachi Dasgupta — in the esteemed presence of District Forest Officer (DFO) Shri Krishna Gopal Roy.

The discussion focused on the availability and sustainable management of bamboo resources in the region, their market potential, and the scope of biochar production from bamboo biomass. Participants examined how bamboo, one of Tripura’s most abundant natural resources, can serve as a renewable raw material for creating biochar — a carbon-rich product that enhances soil fertility, retains moisture, and supports long-term agricultural productivity.

The experts emphasized the dual benefits of bamboo-based biochar: improving soil health for farmers and acting as a tool for carbon sequestration, thereby supporting Tripura’s climate resilience goals. The JFMC members also discussed local collection systems, small-scale kiln setups, and market linkages that can empower rural communities through income generation and sustainable practices.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision to establish a community-driven model for biochar production, integrating scientific guidance with local participation. Under the leadership of the Forest Department and the guidance of academic experts, the initiative aims to unlock the untapped potential of Tripura’s bamboo resources — turning them into engines of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment.

🌿 Together, we grow greener — building livelihoods while restoring the land.

First Meeting at Community Level at Butui Hill, Unakoti , Tripura