The Forest Research Institute director Dr PP Bhojvaid said that though species of 25 bamboo genus grow on about 90 lakh hectares in India, the nation has not been able to exploit this resource as well as South East Asian nations.
However, proper processing, preservation and value addition can help capitalise on this important natural resource. He said this while inaugurating a Common Facility Centre (CFC) for bamboo processing and training at the institute on Thursday along with Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO) founder Anil Joshi and additional principal chief conservator of forests Samdup Tshering Simick lepcha on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhojvaid said that this centre is part of FRI’s endeavours to develop value-added products, including handicrafts from bamboos. The centre will function as a facilitator and promoter to train self-help groups, NGOs, local artisans and others in bamboo processing, seasoning, preservation, polishing, board and furniture making. It will also extend the processing facilities to different stakeholders, he said.
Referring to the scope for utilisation of bamboo in India, he said that by working on preservation, processing and value addition, one can improve the condition of various bamboo products of India in the market which is presently dominated by bamboo products of South East Asian countries.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, STS lepcha said that apart from its commercial value, bamboo could also prove useful in strengthening the areas prone to landslides. He said that areas where bamboo grows in Uttarakhand rarely experience landslides due to the land being provided stability due to bamboo roots holding the soil together.
HESCO founder Anil Joshi commended the initiative taken by FRI, saying that it would help development skills which in turn could be put to use for income generation and effective utilisation of resources. “Uttarakhand is rich in resources, but we are poor in utilising these resources. One of the factors for problems in the State is the lack of enterprise. However, on seeing here that growing bamboo can also be profitable, I hope that people will utilise this resource for income generation,” he said.
Forest Products division head Sadhna Tripathi said that the CFC will conduct sensitisation and training programmes for floor level workers/small-scale producers and entrepreneurs. Its services will be available to stake holders at nominal fees. Machines for cross cutting, removing nodes and skin, slicing, width slicing and stick polishing have been installed at the centre, she said.