MBA Grad's Bamboo Startup, Owned by Tribals, Earns 27 Lakh Annually

Amidst the buzz of sustainability, Bamboo First stands out by taking action. This eco-friendly startup empowers tribal women in Maharashtra villages to craft beautiful, sustainable bamboo products, proving that real change comes from doing.

The story of Bamboo First began in 2019 with a simple observation, not a grand plan. Gaurav Shrivastav, an MBA graduate with corporate experience and a passion for giving back to society, noticed the potential of bamboo and decided to make a difference.

While volunteering in a social cause through Keshav Srushti, he found himself in Maharashtra's Palghar-based remote village of Tetwali in Vikramgad, a place grappling with a cycle of poverty and migration.

"Families were forced to leave their homes for distant labour jobs, leaving children unattended and communities fractured to earn a meagre living," Gaurav told Startup Pedia.

Intrigued by the abundance of bamboo in the area, Gaurav began to connect the dots. He knew that bamboo crafts were a thriving industry in other parts of the world.

Why couldn't they be here? This simple question sparked a revolution.  Gaurav realised that Bamboo, readily available and culturally familiar to the tribal people, could be the key to unlocking local economic opportunities.

Focusing on the village's women, Gaurav envisioned a future where traditional arts and crafts skills, long dormant due to migration, could be revived and transformed into a sustainable income source.

This effort wasn't just about creating beautiful products but empowering women, strengthening families, and fostering a brighter future for the entire community. Thus, Bamboo First took root under the company Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog Producer Company Limited, not in a boardroom but beneath the swaying bamboo groves of Tetwali. 

The journey began in 2019 with a social initiative named ‘Project Green Gold’ in Tetwali village. By 2023, it had evolved into India’s first bamboo enterprise fully owned by tribal artisans, with 253 shareholders, predominantly women. This initiative has now expanded to 23 villages, creating opportunities for 700 artisans to date.

Bamboo First Products:

"Driven by a mission to empower tribal women and combat plastic pollution, Bamboo First takes a unique approach to product development. Instead of relying solely on trends or city-based designers, we prioritize practicality and cultural heritage," said Gaurav Shrivastav, the man behind the idea, in a conversation with Startup Pedia.

Their product line reflects this philosophy. Elegantly crafted bamboo trays, bowls, and coasters fill the gap in offices and homes, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic. They even go beyond everyday items, creating personalised awards and decorative pieces through a laser engraving machine installed directly in one of the villages operated by tribal youths.

But innovation doesn't stop there. Bamboo First recognizes the challenges of working in a remote location and addresses them by holding annual design workshops within their communities, fostering creativity and ownership among the tribal women.

"While not every design becomes a market success, this collaborative approach has yielded over 125 product ideas, with 50 currently gracing our catalogue," mentioned Gaurav, the brain behind Bamboo First.

Struggles and Milestones:

Initially, villagers were sceptical and hesitant to join due to their daily wage loss and a man approaching village women to work on bamboo products, which would take time to yield profit.

However, Gaurav's persistence convinced 25 women to undergo a 30-day training program. Finding a trainer was another challenge, but his determination prevailed.

Gaurav explains, "To generate income, we introduced bamboo ecotourism, inviting visitors to experience tribal life. This innovation attracted tourists from Mumbai, boosting sales and confidence among the women," during the conversation with Startup Pedia.

Their first earnings of Rs. 5,000 ignited their entrepreneurial spirit and built trust in Gaurav and his idea.

In October 2019, an international order for 500 miniature bamboo auto-rickshaws showcased their skills. Local media coverage and a pivotal meeting with Keshav Srushti’s Bimal Kedia expanded the project to more villages. By early 2020, training in nine villages culminated in a successful "Bamboo Mahotsav."

The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges, but the tribal women successfully adapted by creating 51,000 bamboo Rakhis and Keshav Srushti and selling them online. This resilience led to product expansion and enhanced offerings.

In December 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned about this initiative happening in Palghar in his 96th Mann ki Baat episode

March 2023 marked the founding of Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog Producer Company Limited, led by five tribal women. When these women celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi in 2023, their journey transformed their social standing and personal lives. Gaurav's dedication has sown seeds for a promising future.

By The Tribal Women, For The Tribal Women:

The eco-friendly brand Bamboo First has a well-defined structure designed to empower women. Each village has a central group of 30 artisans led by a head secretary, who manages the group and its bank account.

Five sub-heads oversee specific tasks: organization, material planning, production & design/quality, and accounts. Discipline is a core value, with designated times for prayer and work.

On a broader level, a core team is formed by representatives from each village. This team meets monthly and coordinates village activities. Above them sits the super core team, comprised of five directors (all tribal women), the CEO (a young tribal man from the villages), and five promoters (also tribal women from the villages). This leadership team makes major decisions and ensures the company runs smoothly.

This structure fosters leadership development and breaks down barriers. Women directors and CEOs gain valuable experience, and artisans travel to cities for business and cultural experiences. The emphasis on education ensures women can continue their growth and confidently navigate the future. 6 women artisans from the company who had to leave their education incomplete due to family struggles long back, appeared in the 10th class board exam and all of them cleared the exam. 

Adding to the company structure, Gaurav says, "Bamboo First is the company for the tribal and run by the tribals," while speaking to Startup Pedia.

Revenue and Income of Tribal Women:

Despite facing over two and a half years of setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic within a five-year timeframe, the brand has persevered and laid a strong foundation for the future. While company formation took five years, this is just the beginning.

The brand receives orders across metro cities through word-of-mouth publicity. Moreover, tribal women showcase Bamboo First products at various events across India. 

"In the first year of operation, the company achieved a turnover of Rs. 27 lakh (FY 23-24). In the last 5 years, the women together earned Rs. 80 lakh so far. Our ultimate goal is to reach a cumulative turnover of Rs. 1 crore in FY 24-25," said Gaurav in an interview with Startup Pedia.

This project has always been about empowering the tribal community. The project offers a significant alternative income source for the women artisans in these villages. While traditional farming provides food for their families, it doesn't generate substantial income.

Bamboo craftwork provides flexibility, allowing women to work around their household responsibilities. Earnings vary depending on the season and project size but can range from Rs. 15,000-30,000 during peak seasons.

"Even smaller, order-based projects can bring in Rs. 600 per day, a significant amount in these rural communities where Rs. 3,000-4,000 per month is considered a good income. The income generated provides financial security and empowers the women, transforming their lives beyond just a daily wage," added Gaurav.