Bamboo-based organic fertiliser launched
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 24 2025: North East Cane & Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, in collaboration with the CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) launched North East Organic Bamboo Soil Fertiliser on Monday at the Lamphelpat campus of CSIR-NEIST.

A release issued by AIMS informed that the launch event was attended by Manipur University Department of Life Sciences associate professor Dr Thangjam Robert Singh, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre scientist Dr Tensubam Basanta Singh and CSIR-NEIST chief scientist Prof H Birkumar Singh.

Bamboo-based organic fertiliser launched

In his address, Prof Birkumar outlined CSIR's growing interest in bamboo products, and emphasising the strategic focus on leveraging locally available bamboo resources.

"This is the very first instance of such a product at CSIR, which makes it quite interesting," he remarked, while noting its high potential profitability as one bamboo 'saneibi' could produce about 7/8 kg of compost at a cost of Rs 250 per bamboo.

The initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices, he added.

AIMS director Dr Atom Sunil Singh shared insights into the benefits of organic bamboo soil fertiliser and its impact on sustainable agriculture in the North East along with reflecting on rationale, scientific basis, potential benefits, and implementation strategy for the Organic Bamboo Soil Fertiliser.

Dr Basanta opined that bamboo soil fertiliser is the best option for sustainable agriculture in the region and stressed the need for a uniform product to ensure its efficacy and broader adoption.

He called for further collaboration with ICAR to validate and standardise the fertiliser.

Dr Thangjam Robert Singh discussed the scientific research underpinning the fertiliser and its expected impact on soil health and crop productivity.

He stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to achieve the best outcomes in agricultural practices.