THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Bamboo, as a renewable and fast-growing resource, can generate rural livelihoods and play a significant role in building a green and circular economy, Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said on Friday.

Addressing a gathering at Anandaban in Kalinga Nagar here on the occasion of World Bamboo Day 2026, Singkhuntia said bamboo has wide-ranging applications in construction, furniture, handicrafts, lifestyle products, packaging and food products, making it an important resource for sustainable economic development.

The Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA) organised the World Bamboo Day celebrations, which were attended by bamboo farmers, artisans, self-help groups, entrepreneurs, designers, NGOs, researchers, government officials and business representatives.

The Bamboo Haat developed at Anandaban under the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP) was inaugurated during the programme. The facility is aimed at providing a dedicated platform for displaying, promoting and selling bamboo products, thereby helping artisans, entrepreneurs, self-help groups and small traders connect with customers and expand their market reach.

A short documentary showcasing the activities and achievements of OBDA was also screened on the occasion. It highlighted the agency’s initiatives in bamboo cultivation, processing, value addition, skill development and employment generation, besides outlining its activities and plans for the coming year.

As part of the celebrations, OBDA organised the Bamboo Product Innovation Competition 2026 at Anandaban on September 17 and 18. Participants from Odisha, Kerala, Assam and Delhi showcased innovative bamboo products, designs and ideas. The winners of the competition were felicitated at the main event.

Odisha Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr K Murugesan attended the programme as the guest of honour. Sanjeev Karpe, Director of KONBAC, and State Mission Director of OBDA Karthik V were also present.

The event brought together stakeholders from across the bamboo sector, highlighting the potential of bamboo-based enterprises to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, livelihood generation and environmentally sustainable economic activity in the state.