Arunachal Pradesh CM Inaugurates Bamboo & Cane Technology Centre

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo & Cane Technology Centre at Gungu near Itanagar, highlighting bamboo's potential as a significant natural resource for sustainable economic growth, entrepreneurship, employment generation, and environmental conservation.

Khandu emphasized that the new centre would play a crucial role in converting the state's abundant bamboo resources into value-added products, thereby creating livelihood opportunities for local youth, artisans, self-help groups, and entrepreneurs. He noted that bamboo is deeply integrated into the tribal life and culture of Arunachal Pradesh, having been an integral part of daily life for generations.

The Chief Minister commended the efforts of the Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resources and Development Agency (APBRDA), the Forest Department, and other stakeholders in establishing the facility, which is intended to be a hub for innovation, skill development, value addition, and commercialization of bamboo-based products. He pointed out that technological advancements have expanded bamboo's applications beyond traditional crafts to industrial uses like furniture, construction materials, textiles, and biofuels.

Khandu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reforms that reclassified bamboo as grass, simplifying regulations for its cultivation, transportation, and commercial use. He referred to bamboo as 'Green Gold,' noting Arunachal Pradesh's substantial bamboo stock and numerous species, and urged for its professional and scientific harnessing.

He encouraged local youth, particularly the unemployed, to utilize the centre's training facilities to develop entrepreneurial ventures. Khandu also advocated for the adoption of bamboo-based prefabricated housing technology, citing its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and suitability for seismic zones like Arunachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive bamboo policy and a scientific roadmap for cultivation, processing, marketing, and industrial utilization. He directed APBRDA officials to prepare a long-term vision document and ensure scientific management of bamboo flowering and regeneration cycles. Khandu also called for expanding similar centres to other parts of the state to ensure wider access to training and livelihood opportunities, emphasizing skill development to reduce dependence on outside labor and create self-reliance.

Responding to local demands, Khandu assured support for water supply infrastructure and a bridge to improve connectivity to the centre, directing departments to prepare Detailed Project Reports. He expressed confidence that the centre would become a model institution for bamboo-based industrial development and contribute to a self-reliant economy.