Imphal hosts world bamboo meet
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 22 2015: A five day long international bamboo conference was opened here today and it would explore potentials and prospects of bamboo industry not only in Manipur but also in the entire country, laying the foundation of a booming bamboo economy for the State.

Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam opened the conference at the premises of Oriental College, Takyelpat in Imphal West today in the presence of local MLA and Social Welfare Minister Akoijam Mirabai Devi.

The conference, dubbed the first of its kind, was organised by Oriental College and Salai Holdings Private Ltd.

in association with Bamboo Forum of India, Dev Bamboo Industry and CREDO, Manipur.

Foreign delegates and bamboo experts from different countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal and Australia are taking part in the conference.

Opening the five day event, Govindas Konthoujam described the deliberations as "laying foundation" of a flourishing bamboo industry in Manipur, which can enhance the State's economy and promote bamboo tourism.

Govindas said the State Government has been seriously considering about bringing bamboo products under Horticulture Department and also working on signing a memorandum of understanding with an outside firm for sale of bamboo and bamboo products.

The conference came at a time when the Okram Ibobi Singh Government is working on a bamboo policy to exploit the huge bamboo resources of the State, generate gainful employment and enhance rural economy.

Official sources said State Bamboo Steering Committee has been working on finalising a bamboo policy and the five day long conference will certainly help the State Government to come up with such a policy.

Manipur accounts for 53 of 126 bamboo species found in India and it grows both in the hills and valley.

Bamboo accounts for one third of the total forest area of the State, according to data available in the State Forest Department.

According to the official figure, Manipur has more than two lakh artisans engaged in the bamboo and cane sectors.

The forest reserves of Manipur produce more than 10 lakh tonnes of bamboo every year.

Speakers at the functions said that bamboo can be used as food, medicine, construction material and even as energy source, among others.

Govindas said 67 per cent of the bamboo growing areas of the North East are in Manipur.

Stating that India's metropolitan cities are major consumers of Japan's bamboo products, the Minister said Manipur's bamboo has the potential to find markets not only in India but also outside the country.

Mirabai Devi stressed the need for reviving bamboo products by setting up bamboo based industries to make Manipur a bamboo hub for creating employment avenues.

Advisor to Chief Minister and patron of the conference RK Nimai Singh said bamboo, which is one of the main natural resources of Manipur remains untapped.

"I am happy to be part of the deliberation.

I am told Manipur has large bamboo growing areas.

Manipur and Indonesia can have bamboo ties for mutual benefit," Mastok Setanto, a bamboo expert from the country said.

A film on bamboo and its products was screened after the inaugural function and a bamboo crafts exhibition was also organised as a part of the conference.

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