October 7, 2024
October 7, 2024
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday highlighted bamboo's potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber during the 15th World Bamboo Day celebrations at Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
Addressing an international audience, Mein referred to bamboo as the "Poor Man's Timber" and emphasized its versatility and rapid growth.
He noted that bamboo is the tallest grass, with about 1,200 species worldwide, 150 in India, and 98 in the northeastern region, where Arunachal alone hosts 76 species across 19 genera.
"The state's varying altitudes, from 150 meters to over 7,000 meters above sea level, foster a diverse range of bamboo species, each uniquely suited to its environment," Mein said. He underscored bamboo's integral role in the socio-cultural fabric of the Northeast, where it is used in traditional tools, baskets, and decorations.
Mein said modern technological advancements have expanded bamboo's potential, enabling the production of high-quality products such as bamboo mat boards, flooring materials, and artistic crafts with international appeal.
"Bamboo has numerous applications in construction, agriculture, and cultural practices," he said, noting that every part of the plant is utilized, with culms used for various purposes, leaves processed into drugs and fodder, and shoots incorporated into local cuisines.
He highlighted bamboo’s significance in tribal cuisines, citing its taste, high nutritional value, and low-fat content. Bamboo shoots, rich in fiber, play an important role in local culinary traditions, Mein added.
The deputy chief minister also mentioned recent technological advancements in the production of agro-gas (2G Bio CNG) and ethanol from bamboo. He noted that Assam has launched a project in collaboration with international partners to produce ethanol from bamboo, showcasing its economic and environmental potential.
Addressing challenges in sourcing quality bamboo for industrial use, Mein stressed the need for promoting commercial cultivation and supporting farmers in large-scale bamboo production. He said such initiatives aim to leverage bamboo for watershed management, soil and water conservation, and rural development, ultimately boosting the state's economy and ensuring nutritional security.
Mein called for collective efforts to develop bamboo as a key resource for a sustainable future.
The event was attended by World Bamboo Day founder Kamesh Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Dr Pandin Ounchanum, and representatives from various countries, including Japan, Thailand, Belgium, and Malaysia.
