African craftsmen get training in making bamboo products in Tripura

A total of 36 trainees are undergoing a two-week long training course in bamboo art and skill development at Bamboo and Cane Development Institute (BCDI) in Tripura.

Eleven artisans are from Ethiopia and 25 tribal trainees are getting a chance to enhance their skills through an exchange of ideas.

The training program is being organized by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles as a part of the African-Indian Forum for capacity-building training programme.

Abhinav Kant, In-charge, BCDI, said, "Presently, we are conducting training for an Africa country. Last year, in the month of September, a Zimbabwe team came here; they got training in basketry making. This time, an Ethiopian team came here, and they are learning to make basket, furniture and other bamboo products. So, we are working on bamboo and cane handicrafts towards skill development, design development and research and development activity."

Sara Ibrahim, the coordinator of the Ethiopian team, said, "The bamboo craft traditionally is a part of Ethiopia life. We want to improve our skills and want to learn how to make bamboo products. The crafts technology has remained traditional in our country. So, this has opened our eyes, as ten artisans have come to India to get training, and we hope, they will improve their skills."

The trainees learn to make bamboo baskets, furniture and other products. They are quite happy to learn new bamboo crafts and designs under the guidance of master trainers from Tripura.

Eunus, an Ethiopian trainee, said, "I came to India for bamboo training because I want to upgrade my skills and this is very good. I have learnt many things like finishing and bamboo quality, so I am very happy."

Surajit Debbarma, a trainee from Tripura, also said, "We are taking training along with foreign artisans. Such training really encourages us to learn more. We are also learning many new things from them, and at the same time they are also learning from us. So, it is not only boosting our work, but also encouraging us in this field.

The Northeast has huge reserves of bamboo, also known as "Green Gold." Realizing the huge potential of bamboo, recently Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Sarkar inaugurated a three-day long exhibition of sculptures made of bamboo and dry roots.

The sculptures and handmade household furniture displayed at the exhibition attracted large number of visitors.