iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, on Friday, January 10, inaugurated a new Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Centre (TBEIC) in Guwahati, Assam, an official news release stated.
This center will play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of tree-based enterprises by providing training, technology, and business support to aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.
The TBEIC is designed to enhance livelihoods through the promotion of tree-based enterprises. It will offer specialized training in processing technologies to maximize the value of tree-based products and facilitate the development of essential technical and business skills, supporting entrepreneurs to establish and scale their ventures.
A key component of the incubation center is its trial manufacturing facilities, which will enable aspiring entrepreneurs to test production processes for wood and non-wood products at a nominal cost. This feature will significantly reduce the risks associated with starting a tree-based enterprise, enabling entrepreneurs to explore options before making substantial capital investments. Additionally, the center will connect entrepreneurs with financial and insurance institutions to support their growth.
USAID/India Mission Director, Dr. Steven G Olive, said, “This collaboration builds on decades of U.S.-India partnership to advance shared global development priorities. The incubation center will empower youth—both men and women—by equipping them with essential skills and comprehensive support to establish tree-based enterprises. We are optimistic that this center will stimulate the growth of tree-based enterprises in the region and advance the mutual climate goals of the United States and India.”
Dr Ramesh Chenniappan, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forest, Department of Environment and Forest, Government of Assam said, “The Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Centre is an important initiative that aligns with our vision of promoting sustainable agroforestry practices in Assam. By nurturing tree-based enterprises, this centre aims to enhance livelihoods of local communities while promoting expansion of trees outside traditional forest areas. Such efforts are crucial for strengthening ecosystem services and building climate resilience in the state.”
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director IIT Guwahati, said, “IIT Guwahati is committed to fostering innovation in tree-based enterprises. The launch of this incubation centre is a step forward in this direction, providing a platform to empower entrepreneurs with the expertise and tools needed to build sustainable businesses. This initiative will not only drive economic growth but also contribute to enhancing the local environment.”
Manoj Dabas, Chief of Party, Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) Program, said, “The establishment of the incubation centre marks a significant milestone in our efforts to bolster the Tree-based Enterprise ecosystem in the state of Assam. This centre will enable youth and small entrepreneurs to start new enterprises and scale up or diversify existing TOF-based manufacturing to enhance livelihood opportunities. It will also strengthen the environmental fabric of Assam by promoting the expansion of trees outside forests.”
This initiative is a key advancement in the Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) Program, a five-year collaboration between USAID and India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC), implemented by a consortium led by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF). Launched nationally in September 2022, the TOFI program fosters collaboration among farmers, government agencies and private institutions to expand tree coverage rapidly. These efforts enhance carbon sequestration and ecosystem services in seven states, including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
(Photo courtesy: www.usaid.gov)
