BAMBOO FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND ECOLOGICAL SECURITY
WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NORTH-EAST INDIA
By: Shri Kamesh Salam
"......The programme envisages the cultivation of bamboo over two million hectares and promotion of technology and networking for enhancing trade. Economic and social benefits from these activities will lead
to creation of 8.6 million jobs and market opportunities worth over Rs. 6500 Crore with investment of Rs. 2,600 Crore. This will be useful for additional development of the North Eastern Region......"
- Excerpt from the speech of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, on the eve of country's 56th Republic Day addressed to the nation highlighting the importance given by him to National Bamboo Mission.
The "Green Gold" of the 21st Century and commonly known as "Poor man's timber", bamboo played a significant role in human society since time immemorial and today it contributes to the subsistence needs of over a billion people worldwide. It has been traditionally used as fuel, food, rural housing and shelter, fencing, tools and various other purposes. In modern days, it is being used as industrial raw materials for pulp and paper, construction and engineering materials, panel products etc. Bamboo, which can be grown easily, much faster in growth than any known tree, eco-friendly and adaptable to various locality factors, is now becoming the most promising wood substitute. It has more than 1500 documents applications, ranging from medicine to nutrition and from toys to aircraft.