Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA) celebrated World Bamboo Day 2026 at Anandaban in Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Minister, Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said bamboo is a renewable, fast-growing resource with uses in construction, furniture, handicrafts, lifestyle products, packaging and food products. He said it could create rural livelihoods and play an important role in building a green and circular economy.
The Bamboo Haat developed at Anandaban, under OFSDP was inaugurated on the occasion. It will provide a space to display, promote and sell bamboo products, helping artisans, entrepreneurs, self-help groups and small traders reach customers.
A short documentary highlighting OBDA’s activities and achievements was screened at the event. It featured the agency’s work in bamboo cultivation, processing, value addition, training and employment generation. Information was also shared about OBDA’s activities and plans for the coming year.
As part of the celebrations, OBDA organised the Bamboo Product Innovation Competition 2026 at Anandaban on September 17 and 18. Participants from Odisha, Kerala, Assam and Delhi showcased new bamboo products, designs and ideas. The winners were felicitated at the main event.
Odisha’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, K. Murugesan, attended as guest of honour. Sanjeev Karpe, Director of KONBAC, and Karthik V., State Mission Director of OBDA, were also present, along with bamboo farmers, artisans, self-help groups, entrepreneurs, designers, NGOs, researchers, government officials and business representatives.
