Agartala, Sept 18: Tripura’s growing demand for bamboo offers vast opportunities for economic development, Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma said on Thursday while addressing a gathering at Pragya Bhavan to mark World Bamboo Day. The event was organized by the Tripura Bamboo Mission.
Chakma underscored the potential of a bamboo-based economy and stressed that development is possible only when all sections of society contribute collectively. “Every person has a role to play,” she said, noting how bamboo and cane crafts are empowering women by enabling them to become self-reliant. She further urged people to strengthen the state’s economy by embracing the Prime Minister’s call for “Vocal for Local.”
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, also present at the programme, highlighted the increasing applications of bamboo in furniture and household products. He observed that bamboo products from Tripura are gaining national recognition and expressed confidence that better utilization of this resource could significantly boost the state’s economy.
Minister of State for Industry and Commerce, Brishaketu Debbarma, emphasized the cultural and traditional significance of bamboo, especially its use in indigenous religious ceremonies. He also pointed out that the export of bamboo sticks for incense production continues to provide livelihood to many families in Tripura.
The event was attended by senior officials, including PCCF Praveen Agarwal, Tripura Bamboo Mission Director Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav, and Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department Phanibhushan Jamatia. As part of the programme, toolkits were distributed to bamboo farmers and artisans to support their craft and enhance productivity.
The occasion reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting bamboo as a sustainable resource with immense economic and cultural value for Tripura.