The government is planning to organise an international exhibition of bamboo products next year. Industries Minister P.K.Kunhalikutty said the move is part of an initiative to popularise the environment-friendly material.
He was inaugurating the bamboo fest, an exhibition of products made of bamboo at the Jawaharlal Nehru international stadium here on Friday.
The minister said that bamboo, which has a low weight and high strength, could be utilised in a variety of applications.
He promised government’s support to endeavours of the Kerala State Bamboo Corporation and the State Bamboo Mission. V.K.Ebrahim Kunju, Minister for Public Works, Tony Chammany, Mayor; Hibi Eden, Dominic Presentation and Benny Behanan, MLAs; C.P.John, member, Kerala State Planning Board; Kameshwar Ojha, Deputy Director General, National Bamboo Mission; A.C.Keshava Murthy, Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka; P.J.Joy, Chairman, Kerala State Bamboo Corporation; V.Rajagopal, Chief Executive Officer, Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion, and others spoke.
A variety of products made of bamboo are showcased at the exhibition.
These include furniture, flower vases, clocks, greeting cards and a host of novelty items. Over 200 artisans from Kerala and outside including the north-eastern States are participating in the exhibition which will conclude on December 9.