Chümoukedima, 27 February (MTNews):The Department of Industries and Commerce and Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (NIDC) successfully organized the Residential Technology Clinic for the Bamboo Sector under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme. The event took place at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, Sovima, Chümoukedima, with technical support from the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA).
The Technology Clinic, held from February 24 to 27, 2025, brought together participants from across the state. In convergence with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Self-Help Group (SHG) members involved in the bamboo sector also participated in the event. The clinic successfully concluded with 40 participants in each session throughout the four-day program.
With the theme “Innovating with Advanced Bamboo Technology,” the clinic featured three sessions: Clinic 1: Bamboo Basic Course, Clinic 2: Bamboo Handicraft and Utility Items Training, and Clinic 3: Bamboo Furniture Training.
Dr. Tolto Metha, Team Member of NBDA and resource person, conducted Clinic 1, where he highlighted the diversity and economic potential of bamboo. He noted that Nagaland is home to 46 of India’s 144 bamboo species—the highest among all states. He emphasized the versatility of bamboo across various applications, including construction, furniture, bioethanol, ornaments, and more, underscoring its transition from being called the “poor man’s timber” to “Green Gold” due to its immense economic value. The course also explored bamboo as a substitute for plastic and the importance of developing disposable bamboo products as sustainable alternatives.
Following the session, participants were taken on a guided tour of the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, where they received demonstrations on bamboo processing technologies and machinery. Clinic 2 and Clinic 3 were led by Master Trainers Khrolo Naro and Rouvi Chuzho. These sessions included hands-on training, where participants worked with various bamboo species using advanced machinery available at the center.
The General Manager of NIDC, Temjenyanger Jamir, addressed the participants, encouraging them to leverage the opportunities provided by the RAMP scheme. The RAMP team also delivered a welcome address and an overview of the scheme.
RAMP is a World Bank-supported scheme of the Government of India, aimed at improving market access, credit access, and capacity building for MSMEs. As MSMEs in Nagaland continue to expand and modernize, access to advanced machinery and technology is crucial for maintaining competitiveness. The Technology Clinics under RAMP bring together leading experts and technocrats to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and technical skills required to upgrade their businesses. The program plays a crucial role in accelerating post-COVID-19 recovery efforts by providing entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Nagaland with the tools, resources, and support necessary to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
At the RAMP Technology Clinic, participants from various MSMEs in Nagaland gained hands-on experience with emerging technologies and advanced machinery, ensuring that they stay up to date with the latest technological advancements and remain competitive in the market.
The success of the Bamboo Technology Clinic highlights the commitment of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (NIDC), and the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) to advancing technology and skill development in the bamboo sector, contributing to the growth of Nagaland’s economy.