NBDA moots integrated bamboo park, pulp production centre in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) is planning to build an integrated bamboo park and establish a bamboo pulp production centre in the state through the assistance of funding agencies, said R Ramakrishnan, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Nagaland.

Speaking on the occasion of “World Bamboo Day” celebration organised by the NDBA at Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, Sovima, on Monday, Ramakrishnan also said the agency is planning to promote the bamboo industry on a large scale through various schemes and programmes.

For the success of such a venture, he said the active participation of entrepreneurs is a must.

Dwelling on the importance of the occasion, he said World Bamboo Day is celebrated with an aim to promote and increase awareness about the diverse uses of bamboo, from construction and furniture making to textiles and culinary application, and its role in traditional crafts, music and rituals.

He also stressed the importance of conserving bamboo forests for biodiversity, encouraging research and innovation in bamboo-related industries and fostering collaboration among government institutions, organisations and individuals to promote responsible cultivation and use of bamboo resources.

The NBDA has been taking the initiative to harness the potential of bamboo and its benefits, following the guidelines of the National Bamboo Mission, government of India, he said, adding it has successfully roped in many entrepreneurs in all its major production initiatives, including bamboo handicrafts and furniture, and others, in the process.

Maintaining that the agency has been reaching out to local artisans, farmers and various SHGs through assistance, training and skill upgrading, Ramakrishnan said it is presently establishing a state-of-the-art cane and bamboo technology park at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre.

Chairman of NBDA, Nuzota Swuro, shared that Nagaland is one of the pioneering states in India to conceptualise and officially launch a bamboo organisation under the nomenclature “Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency” on March 14, 2004, with a primary vision to develop bamboo resource and entrepreneurship.

He also suggested some activities that need to be taken up on priority, including strengthening of human resources on attachment or to be co-opted; research support to improve quality and enhance productivity; bamboo resource assessment including mapping along with demarcation of bamboo economic zone for large scale plantation to meet market demand; and conduct workshop wherein research scholars from renown technical institutions and local experts can contribute towards drawing draw a future road map and also be updated with the existing technology.

On the occasion, Bamboo Entrepreneurs Award 2023 was presented to Mhaleu Metha and Yimkum SHG from Tuli received Bamboo SHG award 2023.

A note on ‘ World Bamboo Day’ was delivered by Vezota Khusoh, team member of NBDA, a song presented by MSSM Patkai Christian College, and a cultural item by Chakhesang folk song group.

Also read: Khonoma becomes first Horticulture Model Village in Nagaland