International bamboo conference begins in Manipur

Economic growth of the North Eastern Region of India including Manipur can be increased by marketing bamboo products as 67 per cent of bamboo of the country grow in this region, said Kumari A K Mirabai, Manipur Social Welfare and Co-operation minister today.
The minister was addressing the opening ceremony of the five-day international bamboo conference-cum-workshop jointly organised by Oriental College, Salai Holding Private Limited, Bamboo Forum of India, Dev Bamboo Industry and CREDO, Manipur at the auditorium of Oriental College, Takyelpat in Imphal, said a press release issued by the convener of the workshop Dr T B Singh.
Mirabai said the responsibility of turning the region into a bamboo manufacturing hub would depend on the people of the area and added the North East has the potential of creating 'Bamboo Tourism' across the region.

State minister of Commerce and Industries, Govindas Konthoujam, addressing the gathering today said the state government was looking forward to enhance bamboo production and make available ways in marketing the product globally.
He said countries like China and Japan were already showing interest in bamboo products and there was high demand for 'Soibum' (fermented bamboo shoots) from these countries.
Eleven foreign delegates representing Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal and Australia were taking part in the conference, the first of it kind in Manipur, the press release added.