Tripura is considered to be one of the best states in the North East region to have blessed with a variety of natural resources, particularly bamboo. And, a good number of people mostly belong to Indigenous section are involved in bamboo sector for their livelihood support.
To benefit such people, the state government has planned to set up the state’s second bamboo depot at Chakmaghat in Teliamura sub-division.
Forest minister Mevar Kumar Jamatia has laid foundation stone for the proposed bamboo depot in presence of other dignitaries.
“Most of the Janajati people are involved in bamboo cultivation. The bamboo depot has been initiated so that the people, who earn livelihood by selling bamboo, get fair price. The depot will also enable them get more benefit,” the Forest minister said.
While pointing out bamboo’s growing demand across the country, the Forest minister expressed hope saying that the state’s economy would get a major boost if the bamboo produced in Tripura is utilized properly.
He stated that the Forest department had planted one crore bamboo saplings this year. The entrepreneurs may utilize them for generating income through setting up handicrafts and incense sticks processing units, he added.
MLA Dr. Atul Debbarma and Secretary to Industries and Commerce department Kiran Gitte also addressed the ceremony and spoke on the importance of bamboo cultivation while Minati Debnath, chairperson of Chakmaghat Gram Panchayat, presided over the programme.
The secretary also told the gathering that an area measuring 2200 hectare was covered under bamboo plantation in the current financial year.
Meanwhile, 16 bamboo cultivators were given toolkits in the programme. According to a government press release, the cost for constructing the bamboo depot has been estimated to be Rs. 50 lakh at the initial stage.
