DIMAPUR, Sept. 19, 2025 — Nagaland joined the global observance of World Bamboo Day on Thursday with a vibrant celebration at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, Sovima, Chümoukedima. Organized by the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), the event was held under the theme “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation & Design,” highlighting bamboo’s cultural, ecological, and economic significance across the state.
Development Commissioner Temsunaro Aier, who graced the occasion as chief guest, described bamboo as the “green gold” of Nagaland, deeply interwoven with the traditions, livelihoods, and daily lives of the Naga people. “From our homes and food to our crafts and music, bamboo has always been a part of our identity,” she said, urging stakeholders to preserve and innovate with this vital resource.
Aier announced the upcoming launch of a state-of-the-art Cane and Bamboo Technology Park at the Resource Centre, supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC). The facility is expected to serve as a hub for research, training, and production, aimed at scaling up bamboo-based enterprises and modern applications in eco-friendly housing, renewable energy, textiles, and packaging.
The celebration also featured the release of a special publication titled “Facilitating Ease of Doing Business in the Bamboo Sector in Northeast India: Removal of Compliance Burdens,” in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). A bamboo-themed song by Musik-A School added cultural flair to the proceedings.
State Mission Director of NBDA, Kuko Mero, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing bamboo’s potential in sustainable development. He noted that Nagaland is home to over 43 indigenous species of bamboo and that NBDA has carried out block plantations covering 1,506 hectares. The agency has trained over 200 entrepreneurs and artisans, established two Common Facility Centres, and created employment for more than 500 individuals.
As part of the event, a week-long training programme was launched for 26 artisans to enhance their skills in bamboo design, manufacturing, and value addition. Certificates and machinery were distributed to the trainees, and the Bamboo Entrepreneur Award was presented to Bukhaio Khiamniungan for his contributions to the sector.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks from NBDA officials, reaffirming the state’s commitment to harnessing bamboo as a tool for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
