Development Commissioner, Nagaland, Temsunaro Aier, NBDA Mission Director, Kuko Mero, and NBDA Chairperson, Nuzota Swuro alongwith others at an event commemorating World Bamboo Day on September 18 at the NBRC, 6th Mile, Chümoukedima. (Morung Photo)
On World Bamboo Day through the lens of innovation
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 18
The Nagaland Bamboo Resource Center (NBRC), 6th Mile, Chümoukedima, will soon get a state-of-the-art cane and bamboo technology park, according to the Development Commissioner, Nagaland. Development Commissioner, Temsunaro Aier made the revelation at a World Bamboo Day 2025 event, organised by the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) at the NBRC on September 18.
The project has the support of the North Eastern Council (NEC), and likely to be ready before the year ends. “The (park) will serve as a center of excellence for research, training, and large-scale production,” Aier said, adding that it will benefit entrepreneurs, researchers, and local artisans.
Bamboo is not new to the Nagas, interwoven with their traditions and daily lives. However, she said that it should not be viewed through the lens of tradition alone. She said, “This year's theme ‘Next generation bamboo solution, innovation and design’ reminds us to look at bamboo not only through the lens of tradition but also innovation.”
With creativity and research, bamboo can be transformed into modern solutions, such as eco-friendly housing, green packaging, renewable energy, textiles, and even cutting-edge designs for global markets. “In this way, bamboo is not only part of our past but also paves the way for a (sustainable) future,” she remarked.
According to her, the NBDA has been working tirelessly, since its inception, making remarkable progress in transforming various bamboo-based crafts and enterprises, ranging from handicrafts and furniture to charcoal, incense sticks and Venetian blinds, while developing marketing strategies.
She added that efforts are being made to raise awareness about the ecological benefits of bamboo, including its carbon sequestration capabilities and role in soil and water conservation. Nagaland is said to be home to over 43 species of bamboo.
In the lead up to the commemoration, it was informed that a week-long training programme was organised, where 26 artisans were trained on advanced techniques in manufacturing, design, and value addition. Machineries were also handed away to the trainees.
According to the NBDA Mission Director, Kuko Mero, the agency is actively promoting the industry in Nagaland through the establishment of processing units, diverse product manufacturing, extensive plantations covering over 1,500 hectares, and skill development programmes for artisans and entrepreneurs.
He said that the emphasis has been on exploring and utilising indigenous bamboo species, while incorporating traditional knowledge and artisan skills. The NBRC at 6th Mile has units producing various bamboo products, including bamboo sticks, venetian blinds, block tiles, furniture, and providing bamboo treatment facilities.
Infrastructure development, branding initiatives, and participation in trade fairs are also key aspects of the NBDA’s strategy.
He added that the annual Hornbill Bamboo Carnival generates approximately Rs 40 to 50 lakh, benefiting over 500 entrepreneurs and artisans.
A special publication titled— ‘Facilitating Ease of Doing Business in the Bamboo Sector in Northeast India: Removal of Compliance Burdens’ was also released in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
