Forest Research Institute conducted five days training programme on “Making handicrafts from Bamboo and Ringal”

A five days hand’s on training programme was conducted by Extension Division, Forest Research Institute, (FRI) Dehradun from 19 – 23^rd September, 2022 under the scheme CAMPA-Extension VVK concluded today. Mrs. Richa Misra, IFS, Head Extension, Division welcomed the Chief Guest, Director Forest Research Institute and the participants of the training programme and also spoke about the structure of the training programme. The training was inaugurated by Dr. Renu Singh, IFS, Director, FRI, Dehradun who addressed the participants and gave them an overview of bamboo and ringal. She spoke in detail about the geographical distribution of the species and its various uses and how it is known as a poor man’s timber and also “Green Gold”. She emphasized  that bammoo and ringal has been traditionally and play an important role in livelihood generation in hill areas.  She also spoke about the ringal and said that the species is used for making handicrafts and the same can also be linked with self employment especially with better designing and understanding the market requirement. A technical session on bamboo and ringal was delivered by Dr. Santan Barthwal, Head Genetics and Tree Improvement Division, FRI. Dr. Barthwal spoke about the utilization of bamboo and ringal in relation to livelihood generation. He also stressed on the creative and designing aspect which could help fetch the handicrafts better prices and improved market penetration. Dr. Shailendra Kumar, Scientist and Dr. Akhato Sumi of Forest Product Division delivered a talk on bamboo seasoning and preservation. The trainees learned the making of handicrafts from bamboo and ringal under the guidance of a master trainer. They made many handicrafts including basket, lamp shade, tray, flower pots etc. During the training programme, trainees also visited Common Facility Centre of Forest Product Division and came to know about the mechanization of bamboo wood work including splitting and finishing of bamboo sticks. The programme concluded with distribution of certificates to all participants. Participants also expressed their views and appreciated the training programme. Mr. A. D. Dobhal, President of Saraswati Jan Kalyan Evam Swarajgar, Sansthan, Dehradun played an important role to arrange master trainer and participants for the training. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Charan Singh, Senior Scientist, Extension Division.