Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Center or TBEIC was inaugurated under the Tree Outside Forests in India (TOFI) initiative.

This pioneering center aims to foster sustainable, tree-based enterprises that contribute to India’s environmental, economic, and rural development goals.

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.

Inauguration

The inauguration was presided over by Dr. Steven Olive, USAID Mission Director – India, and Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati. Other distinguished guests included:

Ø Sandeep Kumar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF)

Ø Dr. Ramesh C., Chief Conservator of Forest cum Field Director, Manas National Park, Govt of Assam

Ø Dr. Ravi Prabhu, Senior Advisor, CIFOR-ICRAF

Ø Mr. Manoj Dabas, Chief of Party (CoP), CIFOR-ICRAF

Ø Dr. Varghese Paul, Deputy Director, Environment and Natural Resources, USAID India

Ø Mr. Sankar Das, DGM, NABARD, Assam

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, he said.

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, he said.

It aims to enhance the technical and business skills of entrepreneurs, familiarize stakeholders with advanced agroforestry technologies, provide comprehensive support in business planning, financing, and marketing, and de-risk the setup process for new enterprises, say sources from IIT Guwahati.

Through these focused initiatives, the TBEIC seeks to empower stakeholders and foster sustainable growth in tree-based enterprises.

Role of IIT Guwahati

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, said IIT Guwhati director.

Our goal is to leverage the region’s rich ecological and cultural assets to create impactful, long-term change, he said.

Focus

The TBEIC will focus on a range of technologies critical to tree-based enterprise development, including:

Ø Wood and bamboo-based composites and furniture manufacturing

Ø Bamboo-based cosmetic products and natural dye manufacturing

Ø Agarwood processing, medicinal herbal foods, and other herbal products

Ø Biomass palletisation, latex tapping, and rubber intermediate production

Ø Modern plantation technology and carbon credit enabling technology

Ø Fresh and freeze-dried fruits and other agroforestry innovations

Potential

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, he said.

This initiative is driven by both a personal commitment and a deep dedication to preserving our natural heritage, he said.

Through the promotion of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovative agroforestry practices, the TBEIC aims to significantly improve livelihoods and strengthen environmental resilience in the region.

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He added that he himself had studied in a government school and admitted that students of these schools did not possess the confidence level. Sukhu stated that the state government is taking decisive action to make this lot of children confident, and it would enable them to become responsible and capable citizens too. He further added that no student would be deprived of education and that the government is concentrating on upgrading the quality of education.

Chief Minister Reviews Vacant teaching posts filled

He also met the students to know them better about their needs and issues. The Chief Minister also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamshala and reviewed the facilities being provided to the students.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said the state government has filled hundreds of vacant teaching posts and promoted Deputy Directors, which has been a long-pending issue since 2020. He added that the students and teachers were also sent on exposure visits and to encourage and motivate children. He also mentioned that 50 meritorious students would also be sent abroad soon.

Conclusion

The Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, visiting schools in Dharamshala on Balika Diwas, is an indicator of the government’s intent to change the face of education in Himachal Pradesh. From filling vacant teaching positions to planning exposure visits for teachers and students, the state government is taking massive strides to ensure every child receives quality education. Initiatives like financial support for girls and sending meritorious students abroad reflect a forward-looking approach to building a confident and capable generation.