Koraput: The Jeypore forest division is all set to come up with a training-cum-processing unit for bamboo craft at Mathpada forest area under Boipariguda forest range.

An official said bamboo was not only environment-friendly but also locally available in plenty, hence it had been decided to impart training to local communities for its commercial use.

"Despite its importance and usability, little has been done to develop, promote and commercially use the product. To boost the use of bamboo in the area, it has been decided to set up the unit," said Jeypore divisional forest officer Aswin Kumar Kar.

According to the officer, at least 10 master trainers have been empanelled by the department to provide training to the village communities, including women, to prepare decorative items, flower vase, artificial flowers and furniture.

Training will be provided at no cost and the local Vana Surakhya Samiti will be entrusted the responsibility of selecting the beneficiaries, who will be provided training in batches.

"The bamboo is widely used as low-cost material for houses, animal shelters and fencing in the area but people lack the knowledge to process it for making durable products. We have procured various types of machineries to process the raw bamboos to ensure its longevity," the officer said.

The department has prepared a blueprint for marketing the bamboo products prepared by the communities.

"We have opened a bamboo bazaar at our central nursery in Jeypore and the products will be displayed there for sale. The project report has been approved by our higher authorities and the district administration and it will be started shortly," he said.

Local tribal communities have hailed the department's decision to impart training on bamboo craft.

"The training will not only provide us the knowledge of proper techniques of using bamboo but also an alternate source of income," said Sambari Durua, a resident of Mathpada village.

To promote bamboo cultivation, the department has undertaken plantation on more than 65 acres under Boipariguda forest range.

"Local farmers are being motivated to take up bamboo cultivation as it gives good returns," said Boipariguda forest range officer Uma Mahesh.