The Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) organised a program to celebrate World Bamboo Day on Monday at Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, 6th mile, Sovima, Chumoukedima, DIPR informed. R. Ramakrishnan, IAS, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner was the Special guest on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, he that World Bamboo Day serves not only as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of bamboo but also promoting its role in sustainable development, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and cultural preservation. It is a day to increase awareness about the diverse uses of bamboo, from construction and furniture making to textiles and culinary applications; emphasise the economic potential of bamboo for communities and businesses; and, recognize the cultural significance in various societies and its role in traditional crafts, music and rituals, he stated.
The Principal Secretary stated that since bamboo is often a habitat for various wildlife species, celebrating bamboo further highlights the importance of conserving bamboo forests for biodiversity, encourages research and innovation in bamboo-related industries and fosters collaboration among government institutions, organisations and individuals to promote the responsible cultivation and use of bamboo resources.
Radhakrishnan underscored that the day was established by the efforts of the World Bamboo Organization to promote bamboo as a valuable and versatile resource on 18 September 2009 during the World Bamboo Congress. Following the declaration, World Bamboo Day gained recognition and support from bamboo organisations, environmental groups, governments and bamboo promoters worldwide and the day was dedicated to promote the sustainable and versatile uses of bamboo.
He further pointed that bamboo is an important green resource for Nagaland covering every stratum of the society. Taking cognizance of this important fact, the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) has been taking initiatives to harness the potential of bamboo and its benefits, following the guidelines of the National Bamboo Mission, Government of India, he informed. He highlighted that since inception, the NBDA has been substantial progress with all its initiatives with the assistance of National Bamboo Mission and National Mission on Bamboo Applications. Faced with innumerable challenges during the initial phase, the Agency has now become a household name and embraced by many as a viable avenue for building lives, Radhakrishnan added.
He commended the achievements of NBDA within its short period of existence mentioning successfully collaboration with entrepreneurs in major production initiatives including bamboo handicrafts and furniture, bamboo shoot, bamboo charcoal, bamboo mat, bamboo incense sticks, bamboo blinds, etc. Through the length and breadth of the State, the Agency has been reaching out to local artisans, farmers and various Self-Help Groups through assistance, training and skill-up gradation he said.
The Principal Secretary informed that the NBDA plans to promote the bamboo industry on a large scale through various schemes and programmes, for which the active participation of the entrepreneurs is a must to see the success of any such venture. He also mentioned that the Agency plans to establish an integrated bamboo Park through the assistance of the funding agencies and establish a bamboo pulp production centre. The Agency is presently establishing a state-of-the-art cane and bamboo technology park in the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, he added.
Furthermore, Radhakrishnan announced that NBDA received the Excellent Achievement Award this year at the International Agriculture & Horti Expo held in New Delhi in the month of July. He also thanked the artisans and entrepreneurs who have taken up bamboo as a form of livelihood and wish them all success in cultivation, trade promotion and sustainable development of bamboo.
Chairman, NBDA, Nuzota Swuro in his short speech said that bamboo is an important green resource from various contexts for Nagaland covering every strata of the society. The focus of the Government on bamboo in the North East becomes imperative owing to the presence of the largest percentage of bamboo in the country along the length and breadth of the North East, the inherent traditional knowledge of the people towards bamboo, the rich culture and lifestyle of the region associated with bamboo, he said.
He also mentioned that NBDA intends to address these pertinent issues by way of taking initiatives in the area of bamboo development in the State. The objective is to promote the inherent skills of the bamboo artisans and help them market their products most effectively, and thereby improve the overall economy of the community besides technology intervention and skill development.
Swuro congratulated bamboo artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs who are already earning a sustainable livelihood through this industry and wish that many more will be encouraged to join the green bandwagon.
On the celebration of World Bamboo Day, ‘Bamboo Entrepreneur Award’ 2023 was awarded to Mhaleü Metha and Bamboo SHG Award 2023 was awarded to Yimkum, Aitlenden, Tuli respectively.
The programme started with World Bamboo Day Flag hoisting at the NBRC Office Complex by Special Guest, Principal Secretary & Development, R. Ramakrishnan, IAS, followed by welcome address by Mission Director, NBDA, Tarep Imchen, IAS. Note on ‘World Bamboo Day’ was presented by team member, NBDA, Er. Vezota Khusoh.
