AIZAWL, March 5 � The first-ever Bamboo Day was observed in Mizoram on Saturday to promote bamboo craft in the State.
Speaking on the occasion on Saturday at Aijal Club here, Chief Minister Lalthanhawla said Mizoram is one of the richest bamboo growing area in India both in terms of yield as well as in species diversity. Around 44 per cent of the State�s geographical area is covered with 35 odd species of bamboo.
Lalthanhawla while addressing the �seminar-cum- interactive meet on Bamboo Technology, Livelihood, Export Potential & Prospects� said the utility, especially in terms of value addition in bamboo products is still to be developed in Mizoram, which is the biggest challenge for the State. Saying that China has become world leader in bamboo production, he stated that many of the Northeastern States like Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya are way ahead of Mizoram in terms of value addition in bamboo.
The Chief Minister said for Mizoram, starting from Resource Inventory to Value Addition, the State Government is at present giving focus on bamboo plantation and management.
However, owing to lack of basic infrastructure like roads, power and electricity and other logistic support, the State Government had not been able to properly capitalise on the true potential of bamboo till date, official sources said adding, until a few years ago, before the last gregarious flowering (Mautam) between year 2003-2006, Mahal system or open auction was the main method adopted for disposal in situ.
During the last few years people have realised the potential of bamboo thanks to the National Bamboo Mission. Entrepreneurs have come up to produce bamboo mat ply, agarbatti sticks, et al. The Mizoram Government has even entered into a joint venture with Venus Bamboo to produce world class bamboo panels and boards.
