The Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein, participated as the Chief Guest at the 15th World Bamboo Day celebration held at Chiang Mai University, Thailand, on Wednesday. The event saw the presence of dignitaries from across the globe.
In his address to the international audience, Mein emphasized bamboo's significance, describing it as the "Poor Man's Timber" due to its versatility and rapid growth. He remarked on its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber and highlighted its role in various sectors, including construction, agriculture, and cultural practices.
Mein pointed out that there are about 1,200 species of bamboo globally, with 150 found in India and 98 in the North East region alone. Arunachal Pradesh, he said, boasts the highest bamboo diversity in India, with 76 species spread across 19 genera, thanks to the state's varied altitudes ranging from 150 meters to over 7,000 meters above sea level.
Mein says bamboo is inseparable from the socio-cultural fabric of Arunachal Pradesh and the North East. It is used in traditional tools, intricate baskets, festival decorations, and even tribal cuisines. He further notes that bamboo shoots are prized for their taste, high nutritional value, and low-fat content, making them an essential part of local culinary traditions.
Speaking on technological advancements, Mein explained how modern innovations have expanded the use of bamboo to produce high-quality products such as bamboo mat boards, flooring materials, and artistic crafts that cater to both domestic and international markets. He also noted the production of agro-gas (2G Bio CNG) and ethanol from bamboo, citing a collaborative project in Assam aimed at producing ethanol from bamboo as an example of its economic and environmental potential.
Acknowledging the challenges in sourcing quality bamboo for industrial purposes, Mein underscored the government's ongoing efforts to promote commercial cultivation and support farmers in large-scale bamboo production. He highlighted the role of bamboo in watershed management, soil conservation, and rural development as part of a broader strategy to boost the state’s economy and ensure nutritional security.
In his concluding remarks, Mein called for collective global efforts to champion bamboo’s development for a sustainable future. He also expressed gratitude to Kamesh Salam, Founder of World Bamboo Day, and Dr. Pandin Ounchanum, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, for their invitation and warm hospitality.
The event also witnessed the recognition of 12 individuals as "Bamboo Gurus" for their exceptional contributions to bamboo promotion and sustainable use under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the honored attendees were experts from Thailand, Japan, Belgium, Malaysia, Indonesia, Italy, France, the Philippines, India, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
This prestigious gathering underscored the global importance of bamboo as a versatile and sustainable resource, and Mein's presence reinforced Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to advancing bamboo cultivation and utilization. (PR)