The World Bamboo Day was celebrated at Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre (NBRC), Chümoukedima on September 18. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 18
Nagaland along with the rest of the country celebrated World Bamboo Day on September 18 at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre (NBRC), Chümoukedima. Organised by the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) this year’s theme was dubbed, ‘Next generation bamboo: solution, innovation and design.’
Chairman of NBDA, Nuzota Swuro in his keynote address stated that the agency launched in the year 2004, has completed 20 years of existence. “As we observe World Bamboo Day, we do remember those pioneers who had conceptualized the NBDA and turned it into a reality,” he said.
As they enter their third decade of existence, “we are venturing into new horizons,” propelled by innovation, creativity, sustainability and entrepreneurship, he stated. For this, NBDA is in the process of vigorous and intensive consultations with local experts, entrepreneurs and stakeholders who have practical experience and knowledge of ground realities, he said.
The Chairman mentioned that, “soon, NBDA will present the ‘Action plan for third decade,’ which will become our road map.” As part of their flagship programme, Peren, Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts have been marked as ‘Bamboo Economic Zones.’
On these zones, bamboo plantations in compact areas will be initiated for resource development and to feed industrial units in the near future, he revealed. “We are conducting resource mapping of bamboo in the state, intended for factual assessment in preparing the action plan,” he noted.
NBDA had also identified several artisans from remote and backward villages producing bamboo crafts with indigenous technology. These artisans if given skill development training with modern technology machineries, their products have the scope to compete with any other advanced states or countries in the market, the Chairman viewed. The NBDA has identified 46 local grown bamboo species, and is in the process of conducting further research through lab testing and analysis. “This will enable us to utilize locally grown bamboo for artisans to extract raw materials as their resource,” he stated.
The Chairman said that, they have already approached some financial institutions for obtaining funding sources.
Dr Tolto Metha, team member of NBDA in his keynote address meanwhile emphasized the importance of bamboo as an important green resource for the people of Nagaland used in every strata of the society.
Over the years, NBDA has successfully roped in many entrepreneurs on board in all its major production initiatives including bamboo handicrafts and furniture, bamboo shoot, bamboo charcoal, bamboo mat, bamboo incense sticks, bamboo blinds, etc, he reported.
Another major initiative has been its marketing strategy which looks at collaborating with private marketing houses and entrepreneurs, showing visible progress. The Agency has also been creating awareness on the ecological benefits of bamboo through various campaigns involving NGOs, students and green innovators, he added.
“World Bamboo Day is a day of celebration to increase the awareness of bamboo globally,” Metha said. Bamboo is a unique plant that grows quickly and can be used in many ways. Owed in part not just for being strong and versatile, but also for being eco-friendly, helping to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, he noted.
The Agency is presently establishing a state-of-the-art cane and bamboo technology park at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre.
During the programme, the agency presented the Best entrepreneur award to Aosanen for his work on furniture and construction.
An afternoon workshop session on ‘Entrepreneurship and market linkages,’ and ‘Sustainability and livelihood,’ were delivered by resource persons, Aku Zeliang, creative director of Cane Concept, Founder of Urra designs & objects; and Richard Belho, bamboo architect.
