NFMP to study feasibility of bamboo enterprises in Nagaland

Dimapur, Oct. 25 (EMN): The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) organised a workshop on October 22 to start its study on bamboo to assess feasibility of establishing bamboo enterprises in the state. The programme was held in the conference hall of the Forest Office Complex, Minister Hill in Kohima.
An update from NFMP that was made available to the media on Friday, informed that its chief project director Dharmendra Prakash spoke on how ‘bamboo is an integral part of life due to its versatile adaptability and uses with about 1500 documented uses of bamboo in various fields.’

Informing that after the 2017 amendment of Indian Forest Act, bamboo is no longer listed as a tree and is exempted from payment of royalty to the government with free transit pass, the chief project director said it is an opportunity for farmers to undertake bamboo plantation to increase their income which will also boost bamboo enterprise section.

Under the Nagaland Forest Management project, there are provisions for livelihood improvement of the rural populace and bamboo enterprise development can be one component towards this end, he said. He also spoke on “Act East Policy” and how the state should take advantage of this opportunity in terms of bamboo enterprise development for economic development of the state.

In the technical session, Maongkala Walling, research scholar from Nagaland University, presented on the topic “Bamboo diversity, its role in climate mitigation and sustainability: A case study of Mokokchung District, Nagaland”; “Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing- technology and application” by Meren from Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre; “Utilisation of Bamboo in Rural Nagaland: A case study of Mokokchung District” by Temjensola Jamir, research Scholar from RFRI Jorhat; and Bamboo Improvement Programme” by Mohammad Ibrahim, scientist D of RFRI Jorhat.