|
A three-day international conference on bamboo production titled ‘Improvement of Bamboo Productivity & Marketing for Sustainable Livelihood’ was held in New Delhi between 15 and 17 April 2008, with a call to harness the potential of this extraordinary plant. The conference was inaugurated by S Reghupathy, Minister of State for Environment & Forests. Dr. P K Mishra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation; Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR; and Dr. J Coosje Hoogendoorn, DG, INBAR (International Network on Bamboo, INBAR) also spoke on the occasion. Mr. Reghupathy stressed on immense potential of bamboo in improving livelihood of forest dwellers and in generating employment.
Dr. Mishra gave details of the progress made by the National Bamboo Mission during the past year. The Mission has been successful in promoting bamboo, especially in the North East, and generating employment for skilled and unskilled youth. The Mission, he said, has developed specific strategies for different regions. It has been promoting bamboo related activities in different spheres, namely, research and development, new bamboo plantations, establishment of nurseries, rejuvenation of old plantations, disease and pest management, bamboo marketing and export. Dr. Mishra also stated that improved technologies for bamboo production and processing, from which India can benefit, are available in many countries.
Emphasising that bamboo production helps the environment, Dr. Rai stated that bamboo is the fastest growing plant on this planet and provides the best canopy for greening of degraded lands. Some bamboo varieties grow as much as 4 feet a day. Its stands release 35 percent more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees. Bamboo can also lower light intensity and protects against ultraviolet rays. He further delineated that bamboo is harvested and replenished with no impact to the environment. It can be selectively harvested annually and is capable of complete regeneration without the need to replant. Bamboo is an enduring natural resource and provides income, food, and housing to over 2.2 billion people worldwide, said Dr. Rai.
Dr. Hoogendoorn expressed concern at the loss of diversity and lack of standardisation and training in bamboo processing at community levels. She gave examples of how bamboo plantation is helping to improve incomes of farmers in many countries including India.
The conference focussed on improving productivity of bamboo and issues relating to marketing of bamboo products. Scientists and experts from 35 countries, farmers, entrepreneurs, NGOs and Central and State Government representatives participated the conference.
. |
