First ever Bamboo Day observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Aizawl, March 04 2012: The first ever Bamboo Day was observed in Mizoram on Saturday.

The occasion was organised to promote bamboo craft in Mizoram.

The state is bestowed abundantly with bamboo.

Speaking on the occasion of historic "1st Mizoram Bamboo Day" programme on Saturday at Reception Hall, Aijal Club, chief minister Lalthanhawla said Mizoram is one of the richest bamboo growing areas in India both in terms of yields as well as in species diversity with around 44% of the sates' geographical area covered with bamboo having some 35 odd species.

Besides the normal observation of Bamboo Day, a seminar was also held on bamboo.

Lalthanhawla while delivering a speech on "seminar-cum- Interactive Meet on Bamboo: Technology , Livelihood, Export Potential & Prospects" in commemoration of 1st Mizoram Bamboo Day said the utility, especially in terms of value addition in bamboo products is still to be developed in Mizoram, which is the biggest challenge for the people of Mizoram, adding, how China has become a world's leader in bamboo production.

He then stated that many of the north eastern states like Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya are way ahead than Mizoram in terms of Value Addition related to bamboo.

The Chief Minister then welcomed all the participants of seminar -cum- Interactive Meet hoping that interactions and exchange of ideas will surely share valuable information to further the promotion of bamboo production in Mizoram.

For Mizoram, starting from Resource Inventory to Value Addition, the state Government is at present giving sharp focus towards bamboo plantation and management.

However, owing to lack of basic infrastructures like roads, power and electricity and other logistic support, the state government had not been able to properly capitalize on the true potential of bamboo till today, official sources said here today, adding, until a few years ago, before the last gregarious flowering (Mautam) between year 2003-2006, Mahal system or open auction was the main method adopted for Disposal in SITU.

However, it is a welcome relief that during the last few years, people have realized the potential of bamboo thanks to the Natioanl Bamboo Mission, the entrepreneurs in bamboo mat ply, agarbatti sticks et al, with Mizoram government even entering into a joint venture with Venus Bamboo to produce World Class Bamboo Panels and Boards.

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