Training programme on 'Bamboo Nursery Raising and Commercial Plantation' conducted
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, June 28 2024: With an aim to equip the local farmers and artisans with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective bamboo cultivation and commercial exploitation, a 3-day training programme on 'Bamboo Nursery Raising and Commercial Plantation' was held from June 26 to 28, 2024 at Khamasom Phungdhar in Ukhrul district.

The training programme was jointly organised by the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) and Athia Integrated Rural Development Organisation (AIRDO) under the sponsorship of the North Eastern Council (NEC) .

A press release by the AIRDO Programme Co-ordinator informed that the training programme was inaugurated by the representatives of NECBDC.

Augustine AS Secretary of AIRDO, addressed the gathering on the first day, emphasising on the goal to empower local farmers and artisans with expertise in bamboo cultivation while Worthing Horam, Chairman of the Ramzu Development Organisation, Ukhrul, highlighted bamboo's potential for sustainable development and urged the participants to avail the benefits of the training.

Speaking at the occasion, Tamreiyo Longvah, Manager (Admin) of NECBDC, Guwahati, reiterated NECBDC's commitment in promoting bamboo for economic growth and encouraged participants to contribute to the industry.

Dr TC Bhuyan, Consultant at NECBDC, Guwahati, stressed on the importance of bamboo in the region's cultural and economic landscape and shared insights on the latest techniques in bamboo nursery raising and plantation management.

The first technical session was conducted by Ng Hungyo, Chairman of Hao Agro-Forestry while the second day technical session was led by H Shimray, a social activist.

On the third day, field practical was conducted by Maisui Ramrak, an artisans and farm expert.

The training programme was attended by 120 beneficiaries, including participants from nearby villages and poppy-affected villages of Kamjong district.

Notably in the year 2023, the villagers resolved to adopt alternative plants like avocado, coffee etc as a part of the war against drugs implemented by the Government of Manipur under the guidance of Chief Minister N Biren.

In this regard, the villagers sought help from the authorities concerned for the successful implementation of these initiatives to combat poppy cultivation.

Furthermore, the villagers also resolved in 2023 to plant at least 10 bamboo plants per family each year in Khamasom Phungdhar village.

In line with this, AIRDO provided 10 hectares of land for bamboo plantation, and 1,000 bamboo plants have already been planted in the village, said the release.

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