Bamboo plays a key role in socio-cultural lives of NE people, says Arunachal Dy CM Chowna Mein

Guwahati: Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein said that bamboo is an important ingredient in the tribal cuisines of the Northeast because of its taste, high nutritional values and low-fat content. These shoots provide essential fiber and contribute significantly to local culinary traditions.

Mein attended the 15th World Bamboo Day celebrations at Chiang Mai University in Thailand as the Chief Guest on Wednesday amidst host of dignitaries from across the globe.

Mein noted that bamboo, often referred to as the "Poor Man's Timber," is not only the tallest grass but also a remarkably versatile and rapidly growing plant, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional timber.


While highlighting the global distribution of bamboo with approximately 1,200 species across worldwide, 150 are found in India and 98 in the North East region alone. He added that his State, Arunachal Pradesh boasts the highest bamboo diversity, with 76 species across 19 genera. The region's varied altitudes—from 150 meters to over 7,000 meters above sea level—nurture a wide array of bamboo species, each uniquely adapted to its environment, he said.

He said that bamboo is inseparable from the people of Arunachal Pradesh and it plays an integral role in the socio-cultural lives of the North East people, where it is used in traditional tools, intricate baskets, and festival decorations. He further stated that Modern technological advancements have further expanded bamboo's potential, leading to the creation of high-quality products such as bamboo mat boards, flooring materials, and artistic crafts with both domestic and international appeal.

DCM further dilating on the application of Bamboo in our daily lives, said that Bamboo's myriad uses include construction, agriculture, and cultural practices, with every part of the plant serving a purpose. The culms are utilized in various applications, leaves are processed into drugs and fodder, and shoots are incorporated into local cuisines and beverages, he add on.

Mein also informed that bamboo is an important ingredients in the tribal cuisines of the North East because of its taste, high nutritional values and low-fat content. These shoots provide essential fiber and contribute significantly to local culinary traditions, he said.

He also highlighted the innovative utilization of bamboo in the region, citing recent technological advancements that have enabled the production of agro-gas (2G Bio CNG) and ethanol. He informed that the Government of Assam has embarked on a pioneering project in collaboration with international partners to produce ethanol from bamboo, underscoring bamboo's economic and environmental potential.

Acknowledging the challenges in sourcing quality bamboo for industrial use, Deputy CM further emphasized the ongoing efforts to promote commercial cultivation and support farmers in large-scale bamboo production. These initiatives aim to leverage bamboo for watershed management, soil and water conservation, and rural development, thereby boosting the state's economy and ensuring nutritional security.

Mein called for collective efforts to champion the development of bamboo for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Mein also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Kamesh Salam, Founder of World Bamboo Day and Executive Director of the South Asia Bamboo Foundation, as well as to Dr. Pandin Ounchanum, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, for extending the invitation to this prestigious program and for the warm hospitality extended to him and his entourage.

On the occasion, he also witnessed the recognition of 12 exemplary individuals as "Bamboo Gurus" for their exceptional contributions to the promotion, development, and sustainable use of bamboo under the SDGs of the United Nations.