IT News
Imphal, June 28:
The three-day training program on Bamboo Nursery Raising and Commercial Plantation concluded with resounding success in Khamasom Phungdhar, Ukhrul District, Manipur. Sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), the event spanned from June 26th to 28th, 2024, aiming to equip local farmers and artisans with essential skills for bamboo cultivation and commercialization.
Augustine A.S, Secretary of AIRDO, set the tone on the first day, emphasizing the program’s objective of empowering local communities in bamboo cultivation. Worthing Horam, Chairman of the Ramzu Development Organisation, Ukhrul, underscored bamboo’s potential for sustainable development and encouraged participants to maximize the benefits of the training.
NECBDC representatives inaugurated the event, with Tamreiyo Longvah, Manager (Admin) of NECBDC, Guwahati, reaffirming the council’s commitment to leveraging bamboo for economic growth. Dr. T.C. Bhuyan, Consultant at NECBDC, Guwahati, provided insights into advanced techniques in bamboo nursery raising and plantation management, highlighting its cultural and economic importance in the region. Ngatangmi Hungo expressed gratitude for the initiative, commending NECBDC and AIRDO for their dedication to rural development.
Technical sessions were conducted over the event’s duration, with Ng Hungyo, Chairman of Hao Agro-Forestry, leading the initial session. Social activist H. Shimray conducted the second day’s technical session, followed by practical field exercises facilitated by Maisui Ramrak, an expert in artisanal field and farm practices.
The program exceeded expectations, benefiting 120 participants, including villagers from nearby areas and poppy-affected regions of Kamjong District, surpassing the initial target of 50 beneficiaries. In alignment with the Government of Manipur’s efforts led by Chief Minister N. Biren to eradicate poppy cultivation, villagers reaffirmed their commitment to planting alternative crops such as avocado, coffee, and bamboo since 2023. They appealed for continued support from authorities to ensure the success of these initiatives.
In 2023, villagers pledged to plant a minimum of 10 bamboo plants annually per family in Khamasom Phungdhar Village. AIRDO allocated 10 hectares of land for bamboo plantation, with 1,000 bamboo plants already thriving in the village. Villagers expressed satisfaction with the program’s outcomes and expressed the need for ongoing assistance from relevant authorities to expand bamboo cultivation.
Acknowledgments were extended to NECBDC Managing Director M.C. Omi Ningshen, IRS, and H. Priyokumar Singh, Manager – Training, for their efforts in organizing the program. Special recognition was given to Tamreiyo Longvah and Dr. T.C. Bhuyan for their invaluable contributions.
AIRDO Chairman Awungshi Philip Soso expressed delight with the program’s achievements, recognizing the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. He hailed the event as a significant milestone in advancing bamboo cultivation in the region.
Dr. Atom Sunil Singh, the program coordinator, was lauded for his pivotal role in ensuring the program’s seamless execution through dedication and effective coordination.
Yurngamphi Khodang, the program moderator, received acclaim for facilitating sessions and maintaining effective communication among participants and speakers throughout the event, from the opening ceremony on June 26th to the closing session on June 28th.
Chihanpam Ramrak, Chairman of Khamasom Phungdhar Village, concluded the program on a high note, emphasizing bamboo’s pivotal role in fostering economic self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.
