Artisans demonstrate weaving of bamboo basket at during the Hornbill Festival, held annually at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama from December 1-10. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the growing transformation of the bamboo sector in Nagaland and the wider North-East, stating that reforms made after changing “British-era laws” had opened new avenues for employment, business and innovation across the region.
Speaking during the 133rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi described the region as “Ashtalakshmi,” saying the region possesses immense talent and natural beauty.
He said the achievements of the NE had often featured in the programme, and this time focused on the success of the bamboo sector.
According to the Prime Minister, bamboo was earlier classified as a tree under colonial-era law, resulting in stringent regulations and making transport and trade difficult. He said this discouraged many people from pursuing bamboo-based businesses.
However, after the law was amended in 2017 and bamboo was removed from the tree category, the sector has witnessed renewed growth, especially in the NE, he maintained.
People across the region are now innovating and adding value to bamboo products, he added.
Referring specifically to Nagaland, Modi said that several Self-Help Groups in Dimapur and surrounding areas have added value to bamboo-based food products. He further noted that teams such as Khorolo Creative Crafts are engaged in producing bamboo furniture and handicrafts.
He also referred to bamboo enterprises in other Northeastern states, including Bijoy Sutradhar and Pradeep Chakraborty of Tripura, who saw the new laws as a major opportunity, integrated technology into their work, and are now producing better and improved bamboo products than ever before.
In Mamit district, teams are working on bamboo tissue culture and poly-house management, while in Sikkim, the Lagastal Bamboo Enterprise is producing handicrafts, incense sticks, furniture and interior décor items from bamboo, he added.
PM Modi cited these initiatives as examples of how bamboo is no longer viewed as a burden, but as a source of livelihoods and entrepreneurship. He added that women, particularly mothers and sisters, are among the biggest beneficiaries of the sector’s expansion.
Calling on citizens to support local producers, he also urged people to purchase bamboo products from the NE and consider gifting them as a way to encourage artisans and workers in the sector.
In the broader address, PM Modi also touched on several national themes, including India’s progress in wind and nuclear energy, wildlife conservation efforts, digitisation of historical archives Abhilekh Patal (abhilekh-patal.in), the achievements of Indian students in the European Girls Mathematical Olympiad, Census 2027 preparations, and the growing global recognition of Indian dairy products and regional cheeses.
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