India, June 25 -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $42.2 million small expenditure financing facility (SEFF) to develop the bamboo industry in India's northeastern states, boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods, and reducing dependence on imports.The facility will support community-based projects that enhance the growth, usage, and management of bamboo resources across Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura through multiple subloans financing a range of activities, including those ensuring the participation and employment of women across the value chain. It will also establish at least one women-led manufacturing facility in each state. Despite holding 39% of the world's forest ...