Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Business Today has named Kamesh Salam, a pioneer of India's bamboo sector, to its list of influential leaders shaping a developed India. The founder of the Guwahati-based firm Cane and Bamboo Value Chain Management, or CanBoo, earned the recognition for his three decades of work transitioning bamboo from a traditional forest resource into a foundation for the green economy.
Salam has led initiatives across diverse fields, including eco-friendly housing, biochar technology, carbon management, and engineered construction. By building a value chain that links cultivators, artisans, and policymakers, he has turned the sector into a vital source for rural entrepreneurship and employment. His global influence is well-established, as he serves as the founder of World Bamboo Day and is the only Asian to have led the World Bamboo Organization.
The expert has partnered with major international institutions such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Asian Development Bank to shape sustainable policies. Locally, his influence is visible in the landmark bamboo Village Vaults installed at Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which highlight both engineering innovation and indigenous craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the achievement, Salam credited the collective efforts of the researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs who have built the industry. He stated, "Bamboo represents far more than a natural resource. It offers opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, green infrastructure and a self-reliant future for India."
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