A man carries bamboo baskets to sell in a market in Tripura (Reuters)

Silchar, Dec. 28: The Mizoram government is trying to obtain the international forest certificate, which would attest the standard and genuineness of the state?s wood products in the international markets.

The coveted certificate, awarded by the Berlin-based Stewart Ship Council, helps producers to create a brand for their wood products, particularly handicrafts, in the global market.

The process for obtaining the certificate got under way in Aizawl recently when the state Bamboo Development Agency and the New Delhi-based Development Research Centre decided to jointly tap the export potential of Mizoram?s exotic bamboo products in the world arena.

A top official source in Aizawl said the formalities for obtaining the certificate are in the final stages. The government is awaiting the submission of a forest management plan by the state forest and environment department.

A stakeholders? meeting was also held in Aizawl recently under the aegis of the state industries department to discuss the government?s proposal to obtain the certificate.

Mizoram is the first state in the country to initiate the move to obtain the certificate for its nascent wood-based industries.

As a prolific grower of bamboo, the state has massive potential for bamboo-based industries. Of the 150 species of bamboo found in the country, 20 have been found in the state so far. Of these varieties, the most prolific is Melocanna baccifera.

Traditionally, bamboo is used in Mizoram to manufacture agricultural tools, baskets, hats, furniture, walking sticks, vessels and flutes. Of late, it is also being used to construct and decorate houses. Beams, posts, floors and tiles are made out of bamboo at a plant at Sairang near Aizawl.

According to a report published by the Union forest and environment ministry, the total stock of bamboo in the state is estimated at over 16.5 million tonnes, which is reckoned to be the highest in any state in the country.

A source said the state government had also asked the Taiwan government to set up a chain of bamboo-based industries in Mizoram as part of its scheme to tap the world market for the state?s bamboo products.