Green gold in Mechuka...

In yet another worth emulation initiative, Future Generations Arunachal as a part of its best practices programme, initiated bamboo plantation in the enchanting Mechuka valley with the help of community members of Apatani Plateau and RK Kanaujiya, SDAO, Mechuka and the program led by FGA's project supervisor Kago Yam, the apatani bamboo (Phyllostachys Mannii) rhizomes were brought from Hong village (Ziro) with the help of FGA members and Ngunu Ziro. With the idea to replicate best practices of the Apatani community in the Mechuka valley, the Best Practice program was launched as both the places shares the similar type of climatic and geographical features which would facilitate natural resource, like the bamboo to flourish in Mechuka with huge land available for plantation.

FGa Executive Director, Nalong Mize feels that with the propagation of the bamboo species, sustainable resources will be abundantly available in the valley located along the Sino-India border for various community usages which would make a huge difference in their living standard.

Moreover, it would also reduce dependence on wood or timber for domestic purposes which would check deforestation and help in conserving the forest resources. Development of bamboo based handicraft such as basketry could spruce up the local economy. Interestingly, bamboo plantation can improve the nutrition of the community by providing succulent bamboo shoots for vegetable.



In total, 1,100 bamboo rhizomes were brought from the Hong and distributed among the residents of Lhalung, Dongsar, Farge, Dorjeeling, Bomjipanga and Boragang villages. The numbers fell short because of increasing demand of the Ziro gift.

A day-long training on planting and management was conducted on 11 March last and given by the locals of Ziro based Ngunu Ziro's Secretary and FGA member, Narang Tam to the villagers, including women's action group members and agriculture officials. (Arunachal Front volume 20 dated 22 March 2012)