Bamboo research centre launched in Karnataka

Industree Foundation and U.S. ncy for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday launched a Bamboo Research Centre at Channapatna in Ramanagara district, in partnership with Karnataka Chapter of National Bamboo Mission.

This Resource Centre is first step toward setting up women-owned collectives in bamboo value chain under Industree Foundations Producer-Owned Women Enterprises (POWER) project, a joint statement said.

POWER project is supported by USAID under White House Womens Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative launched by Ivanka Trump in 2019, it was stated.

Neelam Chibber, Co-Founder and Managing Trustee, Industree Foundation,a n-profit organisation, said research centre will create a platform for "very skilled" bamboo Medhar community to reach global buyers and growing "conscious" consumer.

Medhars of Karnataka have been an integral part of bamboo value chain since 1200 A.D. because of ir skill and techniques, according to statement.

Yet, y have t benefited ecomically or socially due to lack of formal and consistent skilling initiatives.

Resource Centre will house a Livelihoods and Business Incubator which will help artisans, including Medhars, develop new products well-suited for global and Indian buyers and will showcase ir rich and diverse products, statement said.

POWER project will over three years create 28 women- owned enterprises that will connect 6,800 women producers to commercial supply chains in natural and biodegrable products based on banana fibre, bamboo and n-timber forest products, statement said.

"Overall, project will indirectly impact 54,560 individuals across craft communities", it ded.

Sanjay Mohan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and He of Forest Force, Forest Department, Government of Karnataka, was quoted as saying: Government shall look into sustained supply of required raw materials for women artisans skilled at this centre.

" Department is promoting bamboo plantations outside forest areas and on farmers fields.

se plantations shall ensure sustained supply of bamboo in future", Mohan said.