World Bamboo Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 18 2019:
Bamboo Forum of India observed World Bamboo Day under the theme 'Bamboo for sustainable development goals' at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound Imphal Wednesday.
MP Dr RK Ranjan, Deputy Chairman Planning & Chairman MHHDC S Rajen Singh, former president WBO&CF, SABF Kamesh Salam and Chairperson Manipur State Minorities Commission Anwar Hussain attended the event as presidium members.
Talking about the usage of bamboo, MP RK Ranjan stated that the 'country has about 136 species of bamboo and 54 are found in the State' .
"However, we are still not able to use bamboo efficiently," he said emphasising that there is a good prospect for craftsmen and artisans to exploit bamboos available in the State.
"Manipur Forest Department earns about Rs 0.43 million annually from bamboos.
Unemployed youths should undergo skill development training on bamboo and explore the prospects it has to offer," he said expressing the need for sustainable use of bamboo to protect environment and promote its cultivation in the State.
Speaking at the event, former president WBO & CF, SABF Kamesh Salam expressed the need for a Bamboo Board in the State to establish 'value chain management system' and regulate price of bamboos.
A souvenir was also released at the event.
The World Bamboo Day was celebrated for the first time on September 18, 2009 at Prachan Buri, Thailand during the World Bamboo Congress Bangkok.
World Bamboo Day is observed every year to increase awareness of bamboo globally to protect natural resources and environment.
It aims to ensure sustainable utilization and promote cultivation of bamboo for industries in regions around the world, as well as promote its usage locally for community economic development.