TODAY -

Bamboo as a green gold bioresource of Manipur

Dr N Irabanta Singh & Aeroshil Nameirakpam *

Bamboo Products displayed during 3rd World Bamboo Workshop 2019 at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal ::  5th February 2019
Bamboo Products displayed during 3rd World Bamboo Workshop 2019 at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal on 5th February 2019 :: Shankar Khangembam



Introduction

Bamboo is also known as “Green gold” in the Asian culture. It is also a symbol of friendship in India. Besides the uses of bamboo in our day to day life and the business, the bamboo products can generate an enormous amount and has tremendous prospective, more especially in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India.

North East India accounts for 66% of the bamboo growth in India and as per assessment of united Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the bamboo business in the North East India region has a potential of about Rs. 5000 crores in the next ten years.

Data presentation: World bamboo day (18th September) is a day of celebration to increase the awareness of bamboo globally. The first world bamboo day was celebrated in September 18, 2009 at Prachan Buri, Thailand during the world bamboo congress at Bangkok, Thailand. Since then, world bamboo day is being celebrated every year on 18th September.

The 10th world bamboo Day celebration (18th September, 2018) was started at Singjamei community hall, Imphal (Manipur) with the speaker, Manipur State Legislative Assembly as Chief Guest. The Chief guest stated that bamboos are capable of multiplying its production within 3/4 years of growth cycle as compared to other trees which takes almost 40-50 years. He said that China is planning to substitute 50 percent of all home-made materials like tiles and ceilings with bamboos by 2020.

Director, National bamboo mission (Manipur chapter) stated that the climate and landscape of Manipur is suitable for growing bamboo and the Government is ready to provide the required technical support, capacity building, skill development and financial assistance for more production and in turn to boost states economy.

Earlier, a rally was also undertaken by the organizers from Kangla to Singjamei as a part of the event. Different bamboo products like bicycle, furniture, electronic goods and other byproducts made from bamboos by local entrepreneurs were exhibited during the function.

Bamboo symposium / lectures by experts from the NE India and painting competition by the school children were held on September 19th and 23, 2018 respectively. A newsletter on bamboo was also released on the opening day (18th September, 2018) by the Chief Guest.

Bamboo of Manipur: There are 51 species of bamboos in Manipur (Table 1) (ENVIS Centre, Manipur, 2015). Out of these Waak (Arundinaria racemosa Munro.), Saneibi (Bambusa tulda Roxb.), Maribob (Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro.); Moubewaa (Melocanna bambusoides Trins), etc. are popular bamboo species in Manipur. The most popular bamboo species are Waak (A. racemosa Munro) for a variety of uses, and Saneibi (B. tulda Roxb.) for building construction.

Table 1: Bamboo Species of Manipur

Sl. No Scientific Name Local Name 1 Arundinaria callosa Munro. (Laiwa) Shoidon
2 Arundinaria clarkei Wa
3 Arundinaria debilis Thawaites
4 Arundinaria falconeri Benth. & Hook
5 Arundinaria kurzii Tenwa manbi
6 Arundinaria prainii Gamble
7 Arundinaria racemosa Munro Waak
8 Arundinaria rolloana Gamble Tenwa
9 Bambusa sps 1 (Mritega)
10 Bambusa auriculata Kurz.
11 Bambusa balcoona Roxb. Leewa or pulka
12 Bambusa binghami Gamble Wayeng
13 Bambusa burmanica Gamble
14 Bambusa khasiana Munro.
15 Bambusa kingiana Gamble Watangkhoi
16 Bambusa nana Roxb Khokwa
17 Bambusa natans Wall Utang
18 Bambusa oliveriana Gamble Warak
19 Bambusa pallida Munro Moirangwa
20 Bambusa polymorpha Nachiwa
21 Bambusa schzostachyoides Kurz Waa-pharak
22 Bambusa sps 2 (Wootang manbi)
23 Bambusa tulda Roxb. Saneibi
24 Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Lam Sanebi/Jai-baruwa
25 Cephalostachyum capitatum Munro
26 Cephalostachyum fuschisnum
27 Cephalostachyum latifolium Munro Yotcheiwa
28 Cephalostachyum pallidum Munro
29 Cephalostachyum pergracile Munro Pongshang
30 Dendrocalamus brandisii . Kurz Wamu
31 Dendrocalamus flagellifer Munro Longwa
32 Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro Maribob
33 Dendrocalamus hamiltonii . Nees & Arn Unap/Wanap/Retcha
34 Dendrocalamus hookere Unap
35 Dendrocalamus longifimbriatus Bamble Woonan
36 Dendrocalamus longispathus Kurz. Chingwa/Unap-manbi
37 Dendrocalamus membranaceus Munro Unan khongdangbi
38 Dendrocalamus sericeus Munro Ooei
39 Dendrocalamus sps 2 Uriwa
40 Dendrocalamus sps1 Wamitchao
41 Dendrocalamus strictus Nees unan
42 Gigantocloa macrostachya Gonan(Kuki)
43 Melocalamus indicus . Manjumdar. R Umu
44 Melocanna bambusoides . Trins Moubiwaa
45 Oxytenanthera abaciliata Gotang(kuki)
46 Phylloatachys bambusoides Wamanh(kuki)
47 Pseudostachyum polymorphum Munro Talak wa
48 Teinostachyum dullooa Gamble Tolluwaa/Dullo
49 Teinostachyum sp. Bashiwaa
50 Teinostachyum wightii Beddome Naat
51 Thyrsostachys oliveri Gamble Kabo waa/Keirak waa

Discussion: The employment potential of bamboo is very high, and the major work force constitutes of the rural poor, especially women and 432 workdays per annum are provided by the bamboo sector in India. Rapid increase in the demand of bamboo in the industrial sector coupled with increase in domestic demand due to rising populations have caused depletion of the natural bamboo resources which calls for concerted efforts for the awareness to raise bamboo plantations in land hitherto barren degraded or in association with agricultural crops (Bamboo Informag, April 2014).

With the trend of decrease in production and rise in human population, the gap between supply and demand is going to be larger stressed that in India than demand for bamboo planting stocks are 90-120 million per annum, which is expected to increase to upto 300 million seedlings per annum.

Large scale cultivation is the only way to prevent further depletion of bamboo resource, and to ensure a regular and sustained supply of raw material for growing industrial uses. This situation elucidates the needs for increase in bamboo plantation under various programmes has not been paid so for. Now farmers and villagers need to be involved in bamboo cultivation / production. Apart from protecting natural vegetation of bamboos, the activity has to be brought to the non-forest lands (Bamboo Informag April, 2014).

Summary: There is a low awareness regarding the potential of bamboo and associated products among users and even other stakeholders including the government. The locals in the region use it for everyday uses, but they are not aware of the economical, commercial and industrial applications of bamboo. Thus, we need awareness creation of bamboo and its connection with the poor stakeholders as a green gold bioresource of Manipur.


* Dr N Irabanta Singh & Aeroshil Nameirakpam wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The First Writer is Retd. Professor (HAG) , Life Sciences, Manipur University and co-founder of Nibiaa Consultancy Pvt.Ltd
The second writer is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Nibiaa Consultancy Pvt.Ltd. Singjamei, Imphal , Manipur
This article was webcasted on June 14, 2019.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Lamtanganba, Adum , Mahaiso : eMing
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • The Weeping Gods of Manipur :: Poem
  • Disarming Kuki-Zo armed groups under SoO
  • Why nurses deserve more recognition, pay
  • The hidden truths of our social media lives
  • MMTU stand bang on target: Recapping May 3
  • Enhancing aerial options to ease travel woes
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Sustainable development - climate action #1
  • RIST Talk- 62 : Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • "Technically a BJP MLA will rule Nagaland"
  • Makar Sankranti : vibrant customs & traditions
  • Why gold is a strong hedge but ...
  • Delhi date on January 17
  • Onus of addressing tribal issues on new Guv?
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • Barak Festival advocates Peace, Progress
  • 'Yu', not fully liberalised
  • Article 355 equals Governor's Rule ?
  • Calls to vote with conscience
  • Zingtun academy leading by example
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Is Kuki-Zo community pushing Nagas to edge?
  • Will drive to find-treat-prevent TB continue ?
  • Smart Cities, dustier roads ?
  • ST of NE & Dalits of mainland India
  • That May :: Poem
  • Understanding Red, Yellow, Green
  • Cong posers on Govt aid to SoO group
  • Culturals @Tri-Nation Football #1 : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai festival of Kabui/Rongmei
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations- Part IV (Madras)
  • Manipur Gold: 34th Sr Natl Sepaktakraw C'ship
  • Public Health Risk Management Training
  • The Power of Poppy - 64 :: Poem
  • The Science of Success #4
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu
  • Are the foods we eat, correct ?
  • Gangtok, Sikkim (1983 till 1988) : Gallery
  • The Taste of Dreams : Teaser Unveiled
  • Be a child of courage & conquer obstacle
  • Hans Renal Care Centre in Guwahati
  • Focus on pre-May 3, 2023 period
  • Conundrum over the genesis of crisis
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • North-East Students invited to JEE Main 2025
  • Empower the State else avoid blame on CM
  • Obituary : Thaunawjam Brajamohon
  • Hope :: Poem
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #3
  • Winter makeup tips for dry skin
  • Imphal, Delhi still groping in the dark
  • Tension over assault case, land claims
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #1 : Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Pottery Making @Imphal : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • "Connections", art exhibitt @ DC : Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #4 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Indigenous People Cultural Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #1: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet