The School of Agro and Rural Technology (SART) at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati inaugurated the Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Center (TBEIC) under the Tree Outside Forests in India (TOFI) initiative on 10th January 2025. This pioneering center aims to foster sustainable, tree-based enterprises that contribute to India’s environmental, economic, and rural development goals.
The TBEIC is designed to develop value chains for various tree crops, promote large-scale plantations, and foster innovations in tree-based products and services. Leveraging IIT Guwahati’s intellectual resources and its strategic location as a gateway to the Southeast Asian market of 800 million people, the center is expected to drive regional and global impact.
The inauguration was presided over by Dr. Steven Olive, USAID Mission Director – India, and Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati. Other distinguished guests included:
- Shri Sandeep Kumar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF)
- Ramesh C., Chief Conservator of Forest cum Field Director, Manas National Park, Govt of Assam
- Ravi Prabhu, Senior Advisor, CIFOR-ICRAF
- Manoj Dabas, Chief of Party (CoP), CIFOR-ICRAF
- Varghese Paul, Deputy Director, Environment and Natural Resources, USAID India
- Sankar Das, DGM, NABARD, Assam
The event also saw participation from key stakeholders representing the Government of Assam and IIT Guwahati, including Dr. Kaberi Mahanta, Senior Scientist, AAU-Horticulture Research Station, Kahikuchi; Dr. Dhrubajyoti Sarmah, MD, Daffodil College of Horticulture; Mr. M. C. Sarmah, CGM, Century Plywood Ltd.; Mr. Pankaj Barman, State Head, Samunnati Foundation; Mr. Parama Malli, Scientist, Northeast Cane and Bamboo Development Council, Govt of India; Mr. Koutillya Basumatary, GM-NE, Tata Trust; as well as Prof. Sukumar Nandi, Dean Administration; Prof. S.K. Kakati, Founder Head, SART; Prof. Sudip Mitra, HoD, SART; Prof. Sudip Mitra, HoD, SART; Dr. Siddhartha Singha, PI ToFI Project, and Dr. Sagar Deshmukh, Assistant Professor, SART and Co-PI ToFI Project, among others.
Speaking at the inauguration event, Dr. Steven Olive, USAID Mission Director-India, said, “IIT Guwahati is a wonderful place to study and innovate. What is exciting is how new startups, empowered by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, are shaping the future. They are bridging the gap between old and new, creating opportunities that will benefit both India and the world. At USAID, we are thrilled to be partnering with IIT Guwahati, Assam, and the TOFI team to catalyse these innovations, helping bring transformative technologies to farmers and communities. This partnership is just the beginning, and in the years ahead, I look forward to seeing how these advancements will change the world.”
The Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Center (TBEIC) at SART, IIT Guwahati, is designed to play a pivotal role in incubating and supporting tree-based enterprises (TBEs). It aims to enhance the technical and business skills of entrepreneurs, familiarise stakeholders with advanced agroforestry technologies, provide comprehensive support in business planning, financing, and marketing, and de-risk the setup process for new enterprises. Through these focused initiatives, the TBEIC seeks to empower stakeholders and foster sustainable growth in tree-based enterprises.
Speaking about IIT Guwahati’s role in fostering innovation and sustainable development, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “As the premier institution in the Northeast, IIT Guwahati is dedicated to driving innovation and sustainable growth in the region. Through collaborative efforts with organisations like USAID and local communities, we aim to empower agro-based ventures and promote eco-friendly, resource-efficient solutions. Our goal is to leverage the region’s rich ecological and cultural assets to create impactful, long-term change.”
The TBEIC will focus on a range of technologies critical to tree-based enterprise development, including:
- Wood and bamboo-based composites and furniture manufacturing
- Bamboo-based cosmetic products and natural dye manufacturing
- Agarwood processing, medicinal herbal foods, and other herbal products
- Biomass palletisation, latex tapping, and rubber intermediate production
- Modern plantation technology and carbon credit enabling technology
- Fresh and freeze-dried fruits and other agroforestry innovations
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ramesh C., Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Manas National Park, Government of Assam, said, “This project holds immense potential for the future. The technology and expertise from IIT Guwahati can help us identify sustainable alternatives to firewood, ensuring that trees grown outside forests can benefit communities without depleting our natural resources. By promoting tree cultivation and processing in rural areas, we can empower local communities while protecting the environment. This initiative is driven by both a personal commitment and a deep dedication to preserving our natural heritage.”
The strategic goals of the TBEIC are in alignment with TOFI’s broader objectives, which include strengthening the enabling environment for tree-based enterprises, providing economic incentives while mitigating risks for stakeholders, and enhancing access to information about Trees Outside Forests (TOF). Through the promotion of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovative agroforestry practices, the TBEIC aims to significantly improve livelihoods and strengthen environmental resilience in the region.
