Meghalaya Unveils Bamboo Carbon Initiative to Reclaim Degraded Lands

Meghalaya has launched a bamboo-based carbon sequestration initiative aimed at restoring degraded lands and boosting rural incomes. The project will see large-scale planting of fast-growing bamboo species across identified wastelands, with the dual goal of sequestering atmospheric carbon and creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Experts say bamboo can absorb up to 10 tonnes of CO2 per hectare annually, making it an effective tool for climate mitigation. The state government will provide seedlings, technical support and training to farmers, while also setting up a monitoring framework to track carbon credits.

By integrating environmental restoration with economic development, the initiative seeks to turn degraded landscapes into productive assets for Meghalaya’s rural population.