Imphal: A two-day World Bamboo Day began on Thursday with a rally that started from Kangla Palace here and culminated at Singjamei, where enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the occasion.
Bamboo products ranging from bags, decorative items, cycles, lamps, kitchenware and furniture were displayed.
Manipur Speaker Yumnam Khemchand said bamboo products are in great demand outside the state. "If we promote bamboo crafts it will contribute to a good share of the state's economy. The Centre needs to take a keen interest on this industry. I will keep extending my support to promote the bamboo industry in Manipur," Khemchand said.
He also asked the people to substitute bamboo for wood.
Bamboo Forum of India coordinator and convener of the bamboo day celebration committee, Haobam Sukumar, said, "Bamboo is environment-friendly and durable and we must celebrate this day to spread awareness about the use of bamboo."
Out of 51 bamboo species grown in Manipur, experts have so far identified 10 bamboo samples, which are economically viable and there are more species which are yet to be identified.
World Bamboo Day was first celebrated on September 18, 2009, at Prachan Buri in Thailand.
In Manipur, it was first celebrated in 2011, Sukumar said. He urged the government to observe bamboo day as a state event.
State director of the National Bamboo Mission, D.D. Haokip, said, "The mission is ready to provide all forms of support in its capacity to the bamboo industrialists."
He said, "The mission has definite services, schemes and provisions to help promote entrepreneurs. We will try to harness the maximum possible potential. Even though we have resources, enterprising, utilising skill and its development will take some time. Success of the bamboo mission depends on the people's concern."
"This is not just a celebration. We got the opportunity to interact and share knowledge about bamboo treatment, product preservation, innovations and marketing," said Taorem Sanahal, a bamboo craftsperson from Yurembam, here, who was exhibiting decorative products.
The event was sponsored by National Bamboo Mission (Manipur chapter) in co-ordination with various departments.
