Shillong, Dec 9: A two-day Workshop on Sustainable Bamboo Management for a Green Economy in Meghalaya began today at Courtyard by Marriott, bringing together leading scientists, forestry experts, research institutions, government departments, entrepreneurs and community representatives. The workshop is organised by the Meghalaya State Bamboo Mission (MSBM) under MBMA, in collaboration with MegLIFE of MBDA and supported by the National Bamboo Mission.
The inaugural session featured opening remarks by MSBM Mission Director Shri Sachin Gavade, IFS, and MBDA Director Shri Aiban B.S. Swer. Shri Sachin stressed the need to mainstream bamboo into Meghalaya’s economy and expand value-added opportunities, noting that utilisation of the state’s bamboo resources remains limited.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakeel P. Ahammed, IAS, who graced the event as Chief Guest, officially launched the Meghalaya State Bamboo Mission website. He emphasised that the Northeast requires stronger technical frameworks and clear deliverables for the bamboo sector to grow meaningfully. He called for deeper collaboration with institutions and researchers to ensure that interventions benefit grassroots communities.
The first day featured two technical sessions.
Session I, moderated by Smti H. Lato, IFS, focused on bamboo forestry and agroforestry models suitable for Meghalaya. Experts from KFRI, RFRI, CSIR–NEERI and community leaders from North Garo Hills discussed bamboo species selection, genetic improvement, cane propagation and the restoration of degraded and mining-affected lands.
Session II, moderated by Mr. Sivaraj T. of Uravu Ecolinks, examined sustainable bamboo harvesting, FSC certification, logistics challenges in hilly regions and industrial bottlenecks. A case study presented by the Syrwet U Barim Cooperative Society showcased traditional bamboo forest management practices in Living Root Bridge villages, emphasising cultural knowledge systems such as Shlem Jingtip, Iing Mariang and traditional weaving.
The day concluded with an interactive discussion highlighting the way forward to strengthen bamboo-based livelihoods, enhance conservation and improve interdepartmental convergence for a greener, more sustainable bamboo economy in Meghalaya.
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