Agartala, September 25: Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu on Thursday stressed the need to modernise bamboo processing and expand product development to unlock the sector’s economic potential and create more opportunities for artisans in the state.
The Governor made the observations during his visit to the Bamboo & Cane Development Institute (BCDI) at Lichubagan, Agartala, where he examined the institute’s facilities and activities covering bamboo cultivation, processing, testing and technology.
Nallu began his visit at the Bamboo Pathshala and Bamboo Nursery. BCDI In-charge Dr Abhinav Kant explained the characteristics of different bamboo species, their cultivation methods and the range of products for which they can be used.
He later inspected the Bamboo Processing & Technology Centre and watched demonstrations of various machines used in bamboo processing. Officials explained the stages involved in processing and value addition and briefed him on the potential of modern equipment to enhance productivity, product quality and commercial viability.
At the Bamboo Product Testing Laboratory, the Governor was briefed on procedures for assessing the strength, durability and other quality parameters of bamboo products. Officials said such testing was important for ensuring that products comply with required standards and become suitable for larger markets.
Nallu also viewed products manufactured by BCDI and discussed possibilities for introducing new products and designs and increasing the value of bamboo-based goods.
Talking to the media, the Governor said Tripura had a wide variety of bamboo resources with applications across several fields. He cited products such as javelins and fishing rods as examples of items that could be manufactured using bamboo.
He also highlighted BCDI’s training programmes for artisans and craftsmen from different parts of the country, saying the institute was helping develop skills in bamboo processing and product manufacturing.
Nallu said bamboo cultivation was also attracting increasing interest in Tripura. He referred to the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission’s efforts to involve Self-Help Groups at the district and state levels in producing bamboo-based items.
The Governor suggested that BCDI consider establishing a centre supplying processed bamboo materials to artisans. He said easy availability of ready-to-use raw materials could save artisans considerable time and effort while enabling them to focus on manufacturing, innovation and value addition.
He also advocated greater use of modern tools and technology without compromising traditional craftsmanship. Nallu highlighted the creation of portraits and artistic items from bamboo roots as a distinctive craft practiced in Tripura.
The Governor called for efforts to preserve such traditional skills and connect them with modern production methods and markets, saying this could help give greater recognition to Tripura’s bamboo craftsmanship and strengthen livelihood opportunities for artisans.
