Two-Day National Conference on Bamboo Sector Will Take Technologies to the Common Man

Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, emphasized the need of developing a bamboo value chain. 

Nagendra Nath spoke with a virtual audience after inaugurating a two-day national conference on 'Dissemination of Innovations in Bamboo Sector for Improving the Rural Economy' at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) and Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) here on Thursday.

He emphasized the critical role of Rural Development Schemes, particularly MGNREGA, in promoting livelihoods through bamboo plantations. He has also urged NIRDPR and CIPS to prioritize the development of the bamboo value chain and the creation of livelihood opportunities in rural areas. 

The conference will last for two days. This is intended to promote the 'Bamboo Sector' and to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and best practices generated in both the public and private spheres. 

Dr. Narendra Kumar, Director General of NIRDPR, emphasized the need of bringing stakeholders together so that the promotion of bamboo technology reaches the ordinary man in rural regions, creating jobs and lowering manufacturing costs, resulting in more inexpensive goods for customers.

"Although bamboo has significant potential for application in the building sector, there is a scarcity of bamboo raw material and appropriate species that must be addressed."  

Bamboo being a non-perishable commodity and as multiple harvesting for many years is possible, it can be the best alternate for farmers, bringing assured income. This conference is contemplated to focus on all these areas, right from cultivation to value addition, to marketing,” said Mr. Narendra Kumar. 

Achalender Reddy, Director of CIPS, highlighted the current state of the bamboo sector in the country and the importance of bridging the gaps.

Recognizing bamboo from forest timber to agricultural output is a major change in this area, he added. 

As part of this conference, 'Exhibition and sale of bamboo products' will be held, exhibiting he bamboo technologies and innovations by various entrepreneurs.