World Bamboo workshop in Imphal next year
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 03 2018: Manipur will host World Bamboo Workshop 2019 from February 4 to 8 next year, which will be organised under the aegis of World Bamboo Organisation.

With the aim of ensuring smooth and successful event, a working committee comprising 16 members with ML A Dr Sapam Ranjan as working president/chairman, has also been formed as well.

According to an official source, the State Government is hoping that the event will improve the production of bamboos as well as bring certain benefits for the State.

It is estimated that around 3268 sq kilometres of Manipur is covered by bamboos.

Manipur ranks second, just after Tripura, in bamboo production in the whole of North East States.

Manipur is also one of the main bamboo producer of the whole country and is one of the main contributors in the bamboo industry.

The source pointed out that as Moreh is the main gateway for trade and commerce between India and not only Myanmar, but also the whole South East Asian countries, increase in bamboo production in the State will greatly increase the revenue for the State.

As per a 2017 report, it was estimated that a total of 10,687 sq kilometres of Manipur's land can grow bamboos.

Most of the bamboos present in the State currently are naturally growing bamboos and as such the State Government will take up necessary steps to propagate bamboo plantation on a large scale.

The Government is also planning to establish a bamboo processing unit so as to increase production of bamboo products, the source added.

In light of the approaching bamboo workshop, a 16 members working committee has been constituted by the State Government and the committee has begun necessary preparations as well as consulting various experts.

Principal Secretary of Trade Commerce and Industries, P Vaiphei has been selected as the Nodal Officer of the Committee while Principal Chief Conservator of Forest K Angami and Joint Director (Planning) N Kulkarani Devi have been selected as the Assistant Nodal Officers.

CAU Vice Chancellor Moirangthem Premjit, Manipur University Prof Ch Priyoranjan, World Bamboo Organisation Ambassador.and Punjab University Department of Botany Prof Nirmala Ch, World Bamboo Organisation member and Punjab University Department of Botany O Santosh etc are also in the committee as members, the source explained.

On the other hand, the State Government has started taking up steps for introducing a Manipur bamboo policy.

When this is transformed into action, Forest and Environment Department and Trade Commerce and Industries will collaborate all the way.

The source explained that Forest and Environment Department will be responsible for plantation of bamboo saplings as well as other preparations while Trade Commerce and Industries will look after production, marketing and sale of the bamboo products.

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