Authors:

Shachi Mishra, Prateek Kanchan

Abstract:

This research paper is based on understanding the role of microfinance in improving the socio-economic livelihood of bamboo based artisans of Gujarat. Bamboo is a multi-utility fastest growing plant in the world which requires bare minimum one time initial investment for plantation and replenish by itself again and again for more than 70 years till it starts flowering (which leads to the final death of the plant) even after being harvested. It can be used as a construction material, in paper and pulp industries, for making handicrafts, as cookware utensils, have medicinal properties, as an edible food, considered to be a good substitute of wood and plastic products and many more. Bamboo Plantation helps in the purification of the environment by absorbing 5 times more carbon dioxide and producing about 35% more oxygen than that of the other hardwood trees. Thus it is helpful in mitigating the effects of greenhouse gases and controlling global warming. Bamboo has been considered as poor man’s timber fulfilling the basic needs of food, shelter and safety of rural poor society but in actual sense there has been tremendous untapped potentials of bamboo. The paper highlights the importance of commercial Bamboo plantation and its social, economical and ecological importance in developing Bamboo Based sectors in South Gujarat which will generate employment opportunities to eradicate the problem of poverty among rural society by means of financial assistance, proper training and skill development programmes.

Keywords:

Bamboo Based Industries, Microfinance, social and economical development, Rural Sector

Vol & Issue:

VOL.14, ISSUE No.Special Issue 1, january 2022