GOVERNOR’S SECRETARIAT
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ITANAGAR

                                                           

No. IPR (PR)-03/2009                                                 Dated Naharlagun the 24th Feb. 2010

PRESS RELEASE No 234

Governor inaugurates National Level Workshop on Cane

Itanagar, Feb. 24: By 2050, the earth will be home to almost three billion more people than it is today, most of them living in developing countries. How will the earth’s natural resources be able to cope up with in the eco fronts of those countries as well as that of industrialized nations? Governments will need to look at conserving and sharing resources with other nations, to create a fairer world and consuming less and in smarter and more efficient way. This is the principle of sustainable development, meeting the needs of the present with jeopardizing the capacity for future generations to meet theirs. This was the observation of Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh, while delivering the inaugural address in the National Level Workshop on Rattan (Cane) on Feb 24 last, reports PTO to Governor.

Expressing his appreciation to North Eastern Council, Shillong, Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre, Guwahati and State Government for conducting the workshop at Itanagar, Governor expressed his hope that it will have far-reaching impact on the socio-economic development of the State, region and the country and all the more so in rural areas. He said, cane, like bamboo has been an integral part of the life of Arunachalee’s. The State has a vibrant tradition of using cane and bamboo products and each tribe here excels in craftsmanship. Cane is put to use not only for construction of dwellings, but also for furniture and other household items. The indigenous people are known for their expertise in cane craft.

Describing supply of cane as raw materials to various other States as drainage of the precious resources, Gen Singh stressed on value addition for better economic development. Citing Poma Project, the Bamboo Processing Centre, he said just by producing semi finished or finished raw materials, we can add its value by many folds. Such initiatives should be there for cane. Governor went on to request Government of India and North Eastern Council for an institution or a polytechnic specializing on cane and bamboo product in the State to which NEC Secretary respond positively.

Later the Governor also inspected the exhibition stall on cane produce. North Eastern Council Secretary U.K. Sangma in his address emphasized on optimum utilization of locally available natural resources. Disclosing effort of the NEC, Sangma said under North East Resource Management Project, where proper use natural resources are promoted is being taken up in Changlang and Tirap districts. Highlighting on the importance of the workshop, NEC Secretary expressed his hope it will give impetus in economic development of the region and give opportunity to farmers and stakeholders.

Giving a PowerPoint presentation on India and Global scenario of Rattan Industry, Expert of Rattan, Ganesh Kothari informed that cane of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best cane in the world, but we are yet to utilize even 1% of it. He added, we can generate large employment through its industries. Even just washing adds lots to its value. Showing pictures of cane industries of Vietnam and Malaysia, Kothari said, it is the most saleable item today.

Taking part in the inaugural function, United Nation’s Industrial Development Organization representative, Riccardo Mesiano called for more focus in developing capacity in the stakeholders, such as artisans and facilitators. Throwing light on UNIDO project of the Rattan, Mesiano said, project is now on second phase and it is a flagship project. In the first phase, it was for establishing network and creation of awareness on Rattan. Underlining the positive aspect, we are now concentrating cluster approach at village level involving artisans and also connecting people. By supporting and developing capacity in the centers, we are building capacity of future trainers.

Earlier in his welcome address, Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre, Guwahati, Director Kamesh Salam said, we are conducting this important workshop in Itanagar because the State is the storehouse of cane in the country and we have strong support from the Government and the State Government. Highlighted on the workshop, he informed that recommendation of the workshop will go long way in exploiting the huge natural resource in perfect and scientific manner. It will also discuss on market tie ups, sharing of ideas with countries like Malaysia and Thailand on value addition on cane produce.

State Forest Research Institute Director GN Sinha, who also spoke on the occasion, said forestry sector development has been less than fair to many of the minor forest products including cane and bamboo. Now the department endeavors to incorporate special treatment for these resources. Stating that investment in these areas has also become an imperative for mitigating climate change as precious forest would be protected, Sinha said, we can collaborate with South East Aian countries in this area which will be practical manifestation of the ‘Look East Policy’.

The three-day workshop includes three technical sessions, where the experts will share the papers on various subjects, interactions with artisan and stakeholders and visit to rattan related institutions. Representatives from Thailand and Malaysia along with participants from different parts of the country are taking part.

Sd/- O. TAYENG, APRO