IIT Guwahati launches Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Centre to revolutionize agroforestry and empower rural development

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 10, 2025

The School of Agro and Rural Technology (SART) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati inaugurated the Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Centre (TBEIC) under the Tree Outside Forests in India (TOFI) initiative on Friday. The pioneering centre aims to foster sustainable tree-based enterprises contributing to environmental, economic, and rural development goals across India.

The TBEIC seeks to develop value chains for tree crops, promote large-scale plantations, and drive innovations in tree-based products and services. Leveraging IIT Guwahati’s intellectual resources and strategic location, the centre is expected to impact the Southeast Asian market, serving over 800 million people.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Dr. Steven Olive, USAID Mission Director – India, alongside Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati. Other notable attendees included Sandeep Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF); Dr. Ramesh C., Chief Conservator of Forests cum Field Director, Manas National Park; Dr. Ravi Prabhu, Senior Advisor, CIFOR-ICRAF; Manoj Dabas, Chief of Party (CoP), CIFOR-ICRAF; Dr. Varghese Paul, Deputy Director, Environment and Natural Resources, USAID India and Sankar Das, DGM, NABARD, Assam.

Representatives from the Assam government, IIT Guwahati, and other stakeholders also attended, including Dr. Kaberi Mahanta, Dr. Dhrubajyoti Sarmah, M. C. Sarmah, Pankaj Barman, and others from the agroforestry and rural development sectors.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Steven Olive emphasized IIT Guwahati’s role in fostering innovation “IIT Guwahati is a hub of innovation where new startups empowered by emerging technologies are shaping the future. Our partnership with IIT Guwahati and the TOFI team is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing how these advancements transform lives across India and beyond.”

Devendra Jalihal highlighted the institute’s commitment to sustainable development “As a premier institution in the Northeast, IIT Guwahati is dedicated to driving innovation and growth. Collaborations with USAID and local communities empower agro-based ventures, promoting eco-friendly and resource-efficient solutions.”

Ramesh C., Chief Conservator of Forests, underscored the importance of sustainable practices, “This initiative helps identify alternatives to firewood, ensuring that communities benefit from trees grown outside forests without depleting natural resources. By fostering tree cultivation and processing in rural areas, we empower local communities and protect the environment.”

The TBEIC aligns with TOFI’s broader goals of fostering sustainable entrepreneurship, de-risking enterprise setups, and enhancing stakeholder access to advanced agroforestry technologies. Key objectives include developing technical and business skills for entrepreneurs, supporting business planning, financing, and marketing and strengthening environmental resilience and economic incentives for tree-based enterprises.

Through these initiatives, the TBEIC aims to empower rural stakeholders, improve livelihoods, and promote environmental sustainability, driving long-term growth and resilience for agroforestry enterprises.