Chizokho Vero
Kohima | June 12
With the abundant availability of bamboo resources, Nagaland has potential to fetch a business worth of Rs. 10 crore from bamboo shoot alone.
As per estimates, about five per cent of bamboo resources of India is said to be available in Nagaland, said MLA Khutovi, Advisor, Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) adding that “going by these estimates we should have a business of Rs. 10 crore from bamboo shoot alone.”
“With such business prospects at sight it is imperative for us to be reactive and take advantage,” Khutovi told the Training programme on primary processing of bamboo shoot here today at Tourist Lodge. “The government at all its level shall continue to facilitate and encourage you,” he assured the participants.
Taking cognizance of the abundant availability of bamboo in the state and prospect of bamboo offers as a potential source of generating environmental, economic and livelihood security, the state government has formulated a ‘bamboo policy’ with the objective to develop and utilize this valuable resource for the benefit of the people through the active participation of the community, he said.
He also informed that the NBDA has initiated and undertaken a number of activities aimed at facilitating the development of bamboo as a vehicle for economic growth. It has conducted training on use of bamboo shoot, pickle processing, training on bamboo charcoal production technology, training on primary processing of bamboo shoot etc.
The agency have also taken up a number of other activities such as establishment of a common facility centre, bamboo based gasifier units, bamboo charcoal production Kilns, construction of high and bamboo structure marketing linkages for bamboo shoot and bamboo mats from Bamboo Cluster villages, setting up of bamboo park, central nursery, bamboo plantation programme with target of 2500 hectares plantation in the current year.
The agency also facilitated participation of bamboo artisans and craftsmen in a number of fairs and exchanges. The advisor also called upon the people to join hands and make bamboo an economic wonder plant and bring economic prosperity through bamboo. Self Help groups from all over the districts took part in the programme. They were provided with training equipments.
Earlier, the keynote address by given by Deepti Debas, Scientist, NMBA, Delhi while Norman Putsure, Team leader NDM- IT Nagaland delivered the welcome address. Vote of thanks was tendered by Zaniekhono Vimero, member NBM-IT, Nagaland. The programme was jointly organized by the National Mission on Bamboo Applications and Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency.
Morung Express News
