Bamboo often known as the ÔGreen GoldÕ is one of the fastest and highest
yielding renewable natural resources. It has been found abundantly in all over the
State of Northeast region of India. Since time immemorial, bamboo has been
intertwined with socio-cultural and economic life of the tribal and rural poor. Its value
is being rediscovered as important natural resources for poverty reduction and
environment protection.
The reduction of chronic poverty, to improve the socio-economic conditions
of the rural poor and tribal in Northeastern states of India is a daunting task through
local economic development programs. In Asia, bamboos take the character of Òpoor
manÕs timberÓ since for many people, bamboo growing, harvesting and processing are
essentially subsistence activities. It is a fundamental part of peopleÕs overall
livelihood strategies.1