Bid to boost NE cane-bamboo sector Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, June 22 Cane and bamboo industry in the North East is expected to get further impetus with a Cane and Bamboo Technology Park (CBTP) that is coming up at Byrnihat under the aegis of the North Eastern Council (NEC). The ambitious project estimated to cost Rs 497.63 lakh will be implemented by the Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC), Assam and is expected to be partly operational by December this year and completely functional by January 2011.
The park will provide consultancy service to entrepreneurs for identifying and transfer of appropriate technology in cane and bamboo sector and train farmers, field functionaries and craftsmen for improving their skill and knowledge.
According to the CBTC, the park will also serve as a centre for generating village level cluster and micro processing units, encouraging and mobilizing self help groups (SHG), NGOs and other stakeholders to adopt bamboo culture and attract investment in the sector.
The park will act as a demonstration hub, as a gateway for accessing technologies available in other countries and facilitate transfer of required technology. Years of experience gained in cane and bamboo related activities have shown that the most effective way to introduce new or enhanced technologies is to demonstrate them through pilot operations, stated the CBTC adding that the pilot operations reveal the features and benefits of the proposed technology in tangible terms.
The park will have eight bamboo structures for all the NE States for showcasing the traditional bamboo and cane-based craft of each State.
The park will have an administrative block, a design and resource centre, classroom and conference hall facilities, product testing laboratory, bamboo and cane museum, a library cum information hub, bamboo machineries and demonstration centre and other facilities.
The prime objective of this park is to support the development of a specific technology by assisting manufacturers in maintaining their technical perfection, knowledge base and capabilities required for successful operation, mentioned the CBTC.
