KONBAC Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Centre
KONBAC is a Not-for-Profit Organisation registered under Section 8 of The Companies Act. KONBAC is a leading innovator in the Bamboo sector and is dedicated to promoting Bamboo as a Sustainable Material and as an alternative to current limited planetary resources like wood. KONBAC imparts training in Bamboo farming and production to local marginalised communities in various parts of India namely Kudal, Sindhudurg and Palghar, Maharashtra. Over 9000 people, especially women, have been trained to grow varieties of Bamboo and manufacture Gift articles and Furniture made of Bamboo. KONBAC's efforts are aimed at catalysing rural livelihoods and building climate reslience.
The KONBAC Story so far....
KONBAC stands for Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Centre and started out 10 years ago in Kudal, Sindhurg district, Maharashtra. It was founded by Sanjeev Karpe and Mohan Hodawkar, thought leaders in the Sustainability sector. They identified bamboo as the Miracle Sustainable Material, whose farming and manufacturing could contribute to Community Development too. The KONBAC Research & Development team extensively studied techniques of growing bamboo, identified which variety of bamboo was suited to production of gift items, furniture and construction and devoted years to the research of strengthening and treating bamboo so that it lasts and is sturdy. They then began to train the local marginalised comminity in Sindhudurg in Bamboo farming, Production and Marketing, so that this Miracle Material could become a source of livelihood for them. KONBAC's constant endeavour is to promote Sustainable Development through Bamboo Farming and Production, through which both the local community and the environment benefits. This has led to KONBAC being seen as an expert in Bamboo, its uses and farming. Several teams from parallel projects in Bhutan, Assam and Africa often visit the factory in Kudal, Sindhudurg for training and mentoring. Sanjeevji is often invited as a Key Note speaker to address seminars and events in universities and colleges.
A look at our workshops
Over 8000 local artisans have been trained in Bamboo Farming and Production of Gift Articles, Furniture and Construction. At our factory in MIDC, Kudal Sindhudurg, supported by Khadi Gram Udyog.
Venu Kutir: Our Demo Bamboo Structure
At GRIHA Summit 2019 at Delhi Habitat Centre. This event was inaugurated by Shri Suresh Prabhu, MP Rajya Sabha, ex-minister for Forests and a strong supporter of the Sustainable Development cause.
At The Research Seminar on Bamboo Processing
Organised by FRI (Forest Research Institute) Dehradun. In the august presence of Hon. A.S. Rawat, Vice Chancellor and Director and 16 other scientists of FRI.
KONBAC FURNITURE MANUFACTURING UNIT AT KUDAL, SINDHUDURG. CLICK TO KNOW MORE.
At Kudal, Sindhudurg, KONBAC has set up a fully developed facility for designing, protyping and producing elegant bamboo furniture for Indian and International markets. Using a Common Facility Centre (CFC), equipped with high pressure treatment and bamboo pre-processing facilities that ensures high quality bamboo furniture that lasts long and does not get fungus. KONBAC is therefore able to produce round pole bamboo furniture like sofa sets, bunk beds, office furniture, queen size beds etc.
These processes ensure adherence to market specifications and high quality in handicrafts. Artisans save time and are able to produce larger quantity of goods. Increased awareness about Sustainability and the growing demand amongst cosnumers for eco-friendly furniture that does not put further pressure on the environment ensure economic opportunities and livelihood for rural and tribal communities in Sindhudurg. The Kudal centre is considered the most successful bamboo processing initiative in India and KONBAC looks to replicate it in other parts of the country.