Bamboo cultivation: Government is giving 50% subsidy, you will earn up to ₹80 lakh!

Bamboo farming is rapidly gaining popularity across the country, especially with the government providing up to 50% subsidy to farmers. According to experts, with proper management, bamboo cultivation can generate an income of ₹60 to ₹80 lakh over its lifecycle. The rising demand for bamboo in various industries has made it a highly profitable option for farmers.

Why Is Bamboo Farming Becoming Popular?

Earlier, bamboo cultivation was limited to a few regions, but its economic, environmental, and industrial benefits have now turned it into a preferred crop for farmers. In the northeastern and central states, thousands of farmers are adopting bamboo cultivation and earning substantial income each year.
Experts highlight that bamboo is a low-cost, low-risk, and high-return crop that grows easily in almost all soil types and climatic conditions.

Benefits of Bamboo Farming:

1. Requires minimal fertilizers and irrigation
2. Can withstand adverse climatic conditions
3. Grows well even in barren or low-fertility land
4. Takes 3–5 years to mature and produces continuously for many years
5. Higher industrial demand ensures better market prices

How Much Yield Does One Acre Produce?

As per estimates, one acre of land can yield 15–20 tonnes of bamboo.
Its market price generally ranges between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 per tonne.
If a farmer develops a bamboo plantation on 10 acres, the total income over its productive lifecycle can reach ₹60–80 lakh. During the first 3–4 years, income remains low, but from the fifth year onwards, regular harvesting begins.

Cost of Bamboo Cultivation:

1. Around 400–500 plants are required per acre
2. Cost per plant: ₹50–100
3. Total cost per acre (land preparation, pits, labour, manure, initial irrigation):
4. ₹60,000 to ₹95,000

For the first three years, some monitoring and watering are required. After that, plants grow naturally with minimal maintenance, making bamboo a low-maintenance, high-profit crop.

Government Subsidy for Bamboo Farming:

The Central Government promotes bamboo cultivation under the National Bamboo Mission (NBM).

Farmers receive:

1. Up to 50% subsidy
2. Technical training
3. Availability of quality planting material
4. Market linkages
5. Support for bamboo-based industries

The scheme has shown remarkable success, especially in the northeastern states.

How to Apply for the Subsidy?

Farmers can apply through the following steps:

1. Visit the official website of the National Bamboo Mission and complete online registration.
2. Upload required land and farm documents.
3. Submit the plantation plan and subsidy application online.
4. Seek technical guidance from the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Agriculture Department.
5. Many states also conduct block-level training camps for farmers.

Environment-Friendly Crop:

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing grasses in the world. It absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide and releases high levels of oxygen. Additionally:

1. Prevents soil erosion
2. Helps revive barren land
3. Has growing demand in paper, furniture, incense sticks, construction, handicrafts and biofuel industries

A Profitable Opportunity for Farmers: Experts believe that farmers with low-fertility or unused land can earn long-term sustainable income through bamboo cultivation. With the right species, scientific planting methods and strong market linkage, bamboo farming can generate substantial profits. With the demand for bamboo-based industries expected to rise in the coming years, bamboo farming is set to become an even more rewarding venture for the rural economy.

Read More- National Bamboo Mission Scheme 2024-25, Right Way to Apply