Aizawl, May 14: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the immense potential of bamboo as a vital resource for the state, advocating for its efficient and sustainable use to bolster the local economy and generate numerous job opportunities. During the inauguration of key bamboo processing units, he expressed satisfaction with the initiatives under the National Bamboo Mission, labeling them as significant advancements in bamboo-based industrial activity.
Funded with Rs 252.826 lakh, these processing units have been set up at the Sairang Horticulture Centre. The facilities comprise a bamboo treatment and seasoning plant, a bamboo depot and storage unit, and an activated charcoal unit dedicated to charcoal production. The Chief Minister noted that as bamboo processing evolves, it can play a pivotal role in economic development and job creation. He contrasted bamboo’s quick regeneration—taking just one to two years—with traditional charcoal production from wood, which takes years for tree regrowth. Lalduhoma emphasized that bamboo charcoal production is far more sustainable and beneficial for forest conservation and environmental health.
He also stressed the need for proper operational management of the factories and processing plants, encouraging workers to handle the new units responsibly for ongoing success. Horticulture Minister C. Lalsawivunga heralded this as a transformative era in bamboo processing in Mizoram, underscoring the state’s abundance of bamboo resources and the importance of sustainable practices in utilizing them.
C. H. Lalmuanpuia, Director of Horticulture and Missions Director of the State Bamboo Mission, remarked that the bamboo treatment and seasoning facility is essential for enhancing the functionality and longevity of bamboo, with treated bamboo possibly lasting up to 50 years. The bamboo depot and storage units are vital for supply chains, while the activated charcoal unit has a production capacity of three tonnes of charcoal daily, aiming for an annual output of approximately 900 tonnes.
For its operations, about 670 bamboo culms will be required each day. Additionally, approximately 100 litres of vinegar will be produced daily as a byproduct, with up to 54 litres of refined vinegar obtainable through proper distillation. Three bamboo clusters—Chhingchhip, Baktawng, and Saiphal villages—have already been established to ensure a steady supply for these processing units. The North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) is providing technical assistance for these initiatives and will conduct training programs to ensure effective implementation and management.
Mizoram, alongside neighboring Tripura and other northeastern states, possesses a rich variety of bamboo species, with the northeast region hosting about 28 percent of India’s bamboo forests.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/14/bamboo-can-drive-mizorams-economy-generate-jobs-cm-lalduhoma/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert,REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2025-05-14 21:55:00
