Three-day Global Bamboo Summit began at Indore on Friday. Chief Guest lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan stressed the need for rapid growth of bamboo sector in India.
Representative of 11 States from India and abroad are attending the summit. Forum of discussions has been made available to bamboo producers, craftspersons, entrepreneurs and technical experts at the summit on the theme “Bamboo for Sustainable Development – Global Cooperation at the summit”.
lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that bamboo sector in India needs to be developed rapidly. New policy and technique are also required in this regard.
She said that Bamboo Revolution can be brought about in the country. India’s economy can be boosted further by promoting bamboo production.
It would give a new direction to development of the country. looking to the fast speed with which the Central government is undertaking works to expand bamboo area, it seems that India’s economy will become bamboo-based.
She said that bamboo production and use of goods made of it need to be promoted for environmental conservation as well.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh will be developed as Bamboo Capital of India. Through Bamboo Mission, bamboo forest area will be expanded. Commercial farming of bamboo will also be promoted. Bamboo will be considered as agriculture product in Madhya Pradesh.
He said that efforts will be made to create maximum employment opportunities in the state. Bamboo will be made source to increase farmers’ income. He said that bamboo production is less than its consumption in Madhya Pradesh.
The state government has decided to undertake bamboo plantation on sides of farmers’ fields, around houses and on fallow lands.
Madhya Pradesh would be made fully self-reliant in bamboo sector.
Bamboo will also be used in construction of toilets under Swachchhata Mission.
He said that efforts would be made to convey conclusions of the summit to all concerned.
Union Minister of Agriculture Radhamohan Singh said that bamboo fulfils a number of requirements in life.
Apart from traditional consumption, bamboo is also being used for interior decoration, medcines and food. Production of bamboo is also effective in poverty alleviation.
Central government is paying special attention to expansion of bamboo area. Bamboo Mission works are being done in 28 states.
In the welcome address, Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar said that bamboo production and use of its products are being promoted by Madhya Pradesh Bamboo Mission. Work towards green energy is being done at a rapid pace in Madhya Pradesh.
This will bring natural balance and prosperity. Madhya Pradesh has 35 percent share of total bamboo production in the country.
Vice Chairman of Indian Federation of Green Energy and former Union Minister Anna Saheb NK Patil proposed a vote of thanks. An attractive exhibition focusing on bamboo was also put up on the occasion.
Indore Mayor Malini Gaud, Vidya Morukumbi and Vice Chairman of Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Devraj Singh Parihar also participated in the summit.