Under the theme "Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation and Design", a World Bamboo Day was organised by Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency on 18th September 2024, at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, 6th Mile, Sovima under Chümoukedima. On arrival, the Special Guest, Chairman of NBDA, Nuzota Swuro hoisted the world Bamboo day Flag in the presence of officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Swuro highlighted that Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency was launched in the year 2004 on 15th of March which completes 20 years of its existence. On this occasion he proudly remembers those Pioneers who had conceptualised the NBDA and translated into a reality. He said that as NBDA enter into the 3rd decade, venturing into a "New horizons" which are innovative, creative, Sustainable and entrepreneur development oriented. For this, the NBDA is in the process of vigorous and intensive consultations with local experts, farmers, persons, entrepreneurs and the stakeholders who have practised experience and knowledge of ground relations, he added.
Swuro, pointed that apart from normal activities, an action plan of priorities has already being implemented as Flagship programmes, where Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima and Peren districts has been marked as bamboo economic zone and with availabilities of fund these zones will be concentrated with Bamboo plantation in compact areas. With the resource development there is a plan to feed industrial units in the near future and conduct resource mapping of bamboo in the State so that factual assessment can be done to prepare the action plan, he added.
He informed that most of the other districts are hilly areas and unfriendly terrain, so to transport raw materials to various destinations for sale is a big challenge as the cost of hiring charge of transport goes above the market rate which causes nil profit or even loss to the farmers. To overcome this bottle neck, it has set a plan to come up with small common Fertility centres with cluster units in far and remote areas which will be more cost effective to transport the semi or process products. Many Artisans are from remote and backward Villages producing the best- Bamboo Crafts with indigenous technology. These born artisans if given skill development training with portable modern technology machines, their products has the shape to compete with any other advanced states of countries in the market. Such projects can in a big way uplift the economic condition of entrepreneur in rural areas, he said.
He also highlighted that NBDA has identified 46 local grown bamboo species and plan to go for research for lab test and analysis. This will offer scientific data to enable us utilise locally grown bamboo for artisans to extract raw material as there resource. People believe that Bamboo industry exclusively belongs to menfolk but as we observe some of the most successful entrepreneurs are women artisans. Women have the inborn talent for designing and fine finishing which is very crucial for value addition, for which priority list to provide skill development and financial assistance to potential women artisans to take them on board with us in our journey into the new horizons.
In conclusion, he mentioned that the team plan to develop market linkage with modern technology of networking, which will help our entrepreneurs, access to the marketing world. Also informed that they have approach some financial institutions and vigorously perusing them for funding sources. He hoped some will be finalised very soon under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio and NBDA team will be able to take the State Bamboo Mission to a greater heights.
Note on 'World Bamboo Day 2024' was delivered by Team Member, NBDA, Tolto Metha, where he highlighted that Bamboo is an important green resource from various contexts for Nagaland covering every strata of the society. Taking cognizance of this appreciable fact, the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency has been taking steps to harness the potential of bamboo and its benefits, following the guidelines of the National Bamboo Mission, Government of India. Since inception, the Agency has been on a progressive mode with all its initiatives under the flagship of the National Bamboo Mission and National Mission on Bamboo Applications.
He pointed that, NBDA has indeed achieved a number of commendable milestones within its short period of existence. In the process, it has successfully roped in many entrepreneurs on board in all its major production initiatives including bamboo handicrafts and furniture, bamboo shoot, bamboo charcoal, bamboo mat, bamboo incense sticks, bamboo blinds, etc. Through the length and breadth of the State, the Agency has been reaching out to local artisans, farmers and various Self-Help Groups through assistance, training and skill-up gradation. Another major initiative of the NBDA is its marketing strategy which looks at collaborating with private marketing houses and entrepreneurs and which has started to show visible progress. The Agency has also been creating awareness on the ecological benefits of bamboo through various campaigns involving NGOs, students and green innovators.
In conclusion, he said that the theme emphasises exploring how bamboo can be utilised in modern and inventive ways to address various challenges and enhance our world. He added that "Next Generation Bamboo" highlights the importance of updating and applying bamboo in the modern world. It encourages the development of innovative bamboo solutions and the creation of new designs that leverage this adaptable plant.
Given bamboo's rapid growth and sustainability, focusing on fresh solutions and designs allows us to use it in ways that reduce waste, construct eco-friendly buildings and support local economies. World Bamboo Day 2024 aims to inspire people to think of and present new, exciting applications of bamboo for a more sustainable future.
'Bamboo Entrepreneur Award 2024' was awarded to Aosanen from Dimapur for his Bamboo craft and outstanding product innovation.
The program started off with welcome address by NCS Mission, Director, NBDA, Elbert Ezung; special song presented by TRIUM ΑΝΙΜΑ; while vote of thanks was delivered by Team member, NBDA, Dr. Likhase Sangta. The day was marked with two session workshop. In the first session the resource person highlighted on -"Entrepreneurship and market linkages" by Creative Director of cane concept Founder of Urra Designs & Objects, Aku Zeliang. In the session two, the resource person was Bamboo Architect (Zynorique Initiatives Society) Richard Belho where he presented on the topic "Sustainability and livelihood".
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
