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US, India partner to promote tree enterprises in Assam
This initiative is part of the Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) Program, a five-year collaboration between USAID and India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
The center was inaugurated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati / US Embassy and Consulates in India.
A new initiative to support tree-based businesses was launched in Guwahati, Assam on Jan.10. The Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Centre (TBEIC) will provide training, technology, and business support to aspiring entrepreneurs in the region, aimed at fostering economic growth through tree-based enterprises.
The center, inaugurated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, offers specialized training in processing technologies for wood and non-wood products.
A notable feature of the incubation center is its trial manufacturing facilities, where entrepreneurs can test production processes at a nominal cost. This reduces the financial risks associated with starting a new enterprise, allowing entrepreneurs to explore options before making large capital investments. The center will also connect them with financial and insurance institutions for additional support.
USAID/India mission director, Dr. Steven G. Olive, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “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 at the Department of Environment and Forest, Government of Assam, emphasized the alignment of the center’s objectives with the state’s sustainable agroforestry vision. “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,” he said.
Devendra Jalihal, director of IIT Guwahati, expressed the institute’s commitment to supporting innovation in this sector. “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 for the Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) Program, noted the importance of the center for expanding the tree-based enterprise ecosystem. “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,” he said.
This initiative is part of 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 program aims to expand tree coverage and enhance carbon sequestration and ecosystem services across seven states, including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
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