Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog Producer Company is a pioneering Off Farmers Producer Organisation (OFPO) based in the Dongri-Vikramgad region of Palghar district, Maharashtra, India. Registered under the Companies Act, this tribal women-led agri-start-up focuses on the bamboo economy, encapsulating sustainability and empowerment in every facet of its operations. The brand, Bamboo First, exemplifies their dedication to bamboo, representing not just an economic activity but a significant social movement aimed at fostering environmental care and tribal upliftment.
A visionary beginning
The story of Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog, while modern, is rooted in ancient wisdom. Bamboo, revered for its qualities of strength, resilience, and positivity, has been part of humanity’s civilizational journey for millennia. Its economic potential, however, was formally recognised in India in 2004, when then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee spoke about the remarkable versatility of bamboo at the seventh World Bamboo Congress in New Delhi. Vajpayee foresaw its ability to transform lives and contribute significantly to India’s economy.
His prediction, though initially slow to manifest, took shape when Keshav Srushti, a mentor organisation, revived this vision in 2017. Project Green Gold was launched under the Keshav Srushti Gram Vikas Yojana (KSGVY), designed to empower rural tribal women by training them in bamboo handicrafts. This initiative not only provided a source of livelihood but also enabled these women to stay within their villages, avoiding migration to urban areas.
The training of tribal women in bamboo handicraft production began with a modest group from five villages in Wada taluka. Over time, these women developed exceptional craftsmanship, creating bamboo rakhis as their first product. This simple yet innovative craft symbolised their growing skills and the tangible results of their empowerment.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the communities under Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog continued to thrive. In 2020 alone, they delivered over 50,000 bamboo rakhis and expanded their product line to include over 100 bamboo-based items across categories such as festive decorations, lifestyle products, and gifting items. A notable achievement was the design and delivery of 500 auto rickshaws to the UK, a true test of their artisanal skills.
This steady growth culminated in the formal registration of the Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog in 2023, coinciding with the launch of the Bamboo First brand. Today, this remarkable organisation serves as India’s first tribal women-led rural agri-start-up, offering a diverse range of bamboo products that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity.
Behind the success of Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog is a team that blends traditional tribal knowledge with modern entrepreneurship. Led by CEO Dilip Ghatal and supported by Directors Namita Bhurkud, Suvarna Mali, Vasudha Vani, Pranita Ghatal, and Jayshree Mahakal, this team of dedicated individuals represents the best of India’s tribal traditions and forward-thinking business strategies. Together, they are guiding the company towards its vision of sustainability and self-reliance in the Amritkaal of Indian democracy.
Contribution to sustainability and the organic field
Bamboo, often referred to as “green gold”, is a highly sustainable resource. Its rapid growth rate, ability to sequester carbon, and multiple uses make it an eco-friendly material with significant environmental benefits. By focusing on bamboo, Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog is contributing to environmental sustainability in multiple ways.
First, the cultivation of bamboo reduces the reliance on conventional wood, thereby preventing deforestation. Bamboo’s carbon sequestration properties also help in mitigating the effects of climate change, as it absorbs carbon dioxide at a faster rate than most other trees. Additionally, bamboo is biodegradable, making it an excellent alternative to plastic and other non-biodegradable materials.
The products created by Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog are designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind. From bamboo rakhis and kandeels to lifestyle items, each product contributes to reducing the environmental footprint. The use of bamboo for festive and everyday purposes promotes the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives, thereby encouraging a more organic lifestyle among consumers.
At the heart of Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog’s mission is the empowerment of tribal communities. Their work is deeply inspired by the tribal art and traditions of the Warli people, which is beautifully reflected in their logo—a bamboo shoot cross-section adorned with Warli art. This representation signifies the profound connection between the tribal way of life and nature, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog has successfully transformed the lives of over 600 artisans from 25 villages, with 90% of these artisans being women. This tribal-led green revolution is not just about bamboo products – it is about creating a sustainable livelihood for tribal communities and ensuring their socio-economic growth. With investments from over 300 individuals within the tribal community, the company has laid the foundation for a self-reliant (atmanirbhar) future.
The journey of Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog has been heavily supported by several key organisations. Keshav Srushti has played a pivotal role in their transformation, working on rural development initiatives that span multiple areas, including solar-powered irrigation and farmer empowerment. Project Green Gold, under Keshav Srushti’s guidance, has moulded ordinary tribal women into skilled artisans, capable of producing world-class bamboo products.
Additionally, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has provided crucial financial support, helping to establish the company as a formal OFPO. NABARD’s involvement in microfinance and rural development has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog’s operations.
Looking forward: Vision, mission, and values
The vision of Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog is clear: to empower tribal communities across India by embracing the path of self-reliance. By focusing on bamboo – a resource with immense potential – the company is creating opportunities for sustainable growth and rural development. Their mission is to provide highly functional, human-centric bamboo products that integrate seamlessly into the daily lives of their customers.
Their values, deeply rooted in love and compassion for the environment, are reflected in the words of the revered Marathi saint, Sant Tukaram Maharaj: “वृक्षवल्ली आम्हा सोयरी वनचरे, पक्षीही सुस्वरे। आळविती।।” These lines evoke the profound connection between humans and nature, a relationship that Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog seeks to honour through its work.
Partnering for a sustainable future
Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog is committed to collaborating with a wide range of partners, from academic institutions to businesses and corporates. They offer bamboo-based products for festivals and corporate gifting, skill workshops, and sustainability projects. These partnerships are aimed at promoting the adoption of sustainable living and enhancing the reach of Bamboo First products.
Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog Producer Company Limited is more than just a company—it is a movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. Through their focus on bamboo, they are not only contributing to environmental preservation but also transforming the lives of tribal women by providing them with the skills and resources they need to thrive. Their story is a testament to the power of vision, mentorship, and the enduring spirit of India’s tribal communities. As they continue to grow, Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog remains a beacon of hope for rural development, sustainability, and atmanirbharta.
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