Green Gold: Maharashtra's Bamboo Revolution Takes Root

The Maharashtra government has launched a bamboo industry policy to attract Rs 50,000 crore investment and create over 5 lakh jobs through 15 bamboo clusters. The policy aims to promote eco-friendly bamboo cultivation as an alternative to cash crops. Other cabinet decisions include upgrading Dr Ambedkar's educational institutions and creating new posts in the Bombay High Court.

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved an ambitious bamboo industry policy, expected to rake in a staggering Rs 50,000 crore in investment while generating over 5 lakh employment opportunities. Central to the Maharashtra Bamboo Industry Policy 2025 are 15 dedicated bamboo clusters spread across the state.

These clusters aim to tap into the lucrative carbon credit market, offering farmers an environmentally sustainable income source. The government is fostering bamboo cultivation and industrial processing as a viable alternative to traditional cash crops.

Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned a development scheme for The People's Education Society, founded by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, with plans to modernize educational institutions and hostels. Meanwhile, 2,228 new posts have been approved for the Bombay High Court and its benches.

(With inputs from agencies.)