The National Bamboo Conclave 2026 was held on January 9 at Hotel Crystal Crown in Patia, marking a significant step toward transforming Odisha’s bamboo sector into an essential part of the state’s green economy.
Organised by the One Future Foundation, the one-day event brought together over 200 participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainable design experts, to discuss the vast potential of bamboo as a renewable resource and a driver of rural prosperity.
The conclave was inaugurated by Odisha’s Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia. In his address, the minister emphasised that the event was not just a meeting but a collective effort to shape the state’s bamboo industry positively. He expressed strong confidence that the exchange of knowledge among participants would elevate Odisha’s rural economy, leveraging bamboo to create sustainable livelihoods.
In a move to digitise and expand the market for local artisans, Minister Singkhuntia announced the launch of a dedicated website, www.odishabamboohaat.com, for the online sale of bamboo products.
The primary objectives of the conclave included enhancing understanding of bamboo’s diverse uses in daily life and its contribution to global sustainable development goals. Technical sessions focused on government policy frameworks, engineered bamboo technologies, and strengthening the supply value chain.
The event also served as a vital networking hub, encouraging collaboration between various stakeholders to foster a more resilient bamboo ecosystem.
Distinguished guests included Guru Prasad Mishra, Advisory to One Future Foundation; Sarada Prasad Panda, Chief Coordinator of the conclave; and Dr Rebecca Reubens, World Bamboo Ambassador and sustainable design expert. Other notable attendees included Karthick V, Project Director of the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency, and Sudhakar Pahi of the Bharateeyam Trust, who co-organised the event.
