Tripura, 16 Feb 2026: Tripura’s bamboo sector received a major international boost with the visit of renowned Japanese architect Prof. Keiyo to the state’s first Bamboo Depot at Chakmaghat under Khowai district. The visit has brought global attention to the state’s rich bamboo resources and its growing potential in sustainable construction and green industries.
The Bamboo Depot, developed under the theme “Root of Bamboo connecting with Business Hub,” has been established as a crucial link between rural bamboo growers and modern industrial markets. Strategically located in Chakmaghat, the facility aims to strengthen the bamboo value chain, ensuring better income opportunities for farmers and artisans.
During the visit, Tribal Welfare Minister Shri Bikash Debbarma highlighted bamboo as “green gold,” stressing its importance in boosting rural livelihoods and driving economic growth in the state. He said that Tripura, with its vast bamboo reserves, is well-positioned to become a leading hub for bamboo-based industries in the country.
“The Bamboo Depot is not just an infrastructure project; it is a vision to empower our people. By connecting local producers directly with markets, we are ensuring that the benefits of development reach the grassroots,” the Minister said.
Prof. Keiyo, known globally for his work in bamboo architecture and sustainable design, expressed appreciation for the quality and availability of bamboo in Tripura. He noted that bamboo has immense potential as a modern construction material due to its strength, flexibility, and eco-friendly nature.
The depot is equipped with modern storage and primary processing facilities, ensuring that high-quality bamboo is available throughout the year. Officials said that this would help meet the growing demand from industries ranging from traditional construction to contemporary product manufacturing.
One of the key objectives of the initiative is to eliminate middlemen and provide direct market access to local farmers and artisans. By doing so, the depot is expected to ensure fair prices and enhance income levels in rural areas.
Bamboo technologist Samir Jamatia described the depot as a transformative step for the region. “This is more than just a collection centre. It is the root of a new economic future where traditional knowledge meets modern business. The interest shown by international experts like Prof. Keiyo validates the global potential of Tripura’s bamboo,” he said.
The initiative is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities for youth in Khowai district and surrounding areas by developing a complete ecosystem—from harvesting and processing to finished products.
Local farmers and entrepreneurs expressed optimism that the depot would bring positive changes to their livelihoods. Many believe that the international attention generated by the visit will open doors for collaborations, exports, and technological advancements in the bamboo sector.
The Chakmaghat Bamboo Depot, now operational, is being seen as a milestone in Tripura’s journey towards becoming a key player in India’s bamboo economy. With increasing national and global interest, the state is set to leverage its natural resources to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.
