Bhubaneswar, Jan 9: The National Bamboo Conclave 2026 was inaugurated by Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia here today.

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 for rural prosperity.

Addressing the gathering, the minister emphasized that the program was not just a meeting but a collective effort to provide a powerful shape to the state's bamboo industry.

He expressed strong confidence that the exchange of knowledge among participants would propel Odisha’s rural economy to new heights, leveraging bamboo to create sustainable livelihoods. In a move to digitize and expand the market for local artisans, Minister Singkhuntia announced the operationalization of a dedicated website, www.odishabamboohaat.com, for the online sale of bamboo products.

The primary objectives of the conclave included enhancing the 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 the strengthening of 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.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including 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 prominent figures included Karthick V, Project Director of the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency, and Sudhakar Pahi of the Bharateeyam Trust, who served as the co-organizer.