TRIBAC’s bamboo cycle set to hit the streets by Jan

In what appears to be a step ahead towards manufacturing green product or in other words eco-sustainable products, Tripura is all set to market by-cycles made of bamboo. Under the project, undertaken by TRIBAC (Tripura Bamboo and Cane Development Centre), initiatives have been taken to manufacture 50 bamboo made by-cycles within mid of January 2020.

Speaking to this newsman, Dr. Selima Reza, Director TRIBAC, said, the concept of bamboo made by-cycles came into being long back. In the year 1865, Bamboo by-cycle is first introduced in England but it did not progress due to massive industrialization. But, he said, as the world right now focusing on green products and sustainable development with an aim of reducing use of carbon, the idea of bamboo by-cycle reinvigorated.

“The idea of bamboo by-cycles is not new. But, the idea gained its pace in this ear due to the attention in reducing use of carbon. In African countries, bamboo by-cycles are being distributed among the school children in order to put impetus on carbon-free society” said Dr Reza.  

INBAR (International Bamboo and Rattan Organization), the apex body of UN, which promotes bamboo based products and does value addition of bamboo products throughout the nation, has also given its nod to the innovative project. Organizations like SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) and Swiss Asia are also willing to support the project.

“We are trying our best to promote this product. In European markets, this product is sold in 300 dollars. And, if we can successfully cater the demand of the cycle it will play a crucial role in generating employment and enchantment of livelihood possibilities” he added.

He also informed this website that the project was initially planned to be executed in Assam but due to lack of raw materials, the project had been shifted here in Tripura. “For making by-cycles, we need bamboos that are durable and have good load bearing capacity. ‘Kankaj (Thrysostachys oliveri)’, a very well known bamboo of Tripura has all the qualities needed to make bamboo by-cycles. Thus, the project is shifted to Tripura” he told this newsperson.

When asked about the making charge, he said that right now the project was facing a crisis of spare parts. “The biggest problem that the project is facing right now is the non-availability of spare parts. Talks are on to import spare parts from Northern India which will reduce the cost manifold. And, if everything falls in right direction, within Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000, the cycle will be ride-ready. It hardly takes two days to make a by-cycle” he said.

Replying to a query on the technical part, he said, people working here are all locals and it takes two bamboos to be joined in appropriate ways with some perfection that’s all. “It is a simple joinery. Basic trainings have been imparted to the technicians and now all of them are well-equipped to make such by-cycles” Dr. Reza said.   

Speaking on the funds, he said, TRIBAC is eyeing to treat this project as a joint venture. “JICA, FR-CFLE, SDBI and other organizations are being invited to be part of the job with their technical support, raw materials such as treated bamboo and financial aid so that it could become a all successful venture” Dr. Reza hoped.

When asked about the possibilities, he said, there are countless possibilities of success if given proper attention. “Tripura University has asked for few cycles for the campus. If other sectors like, Tourism department, colleges and other institution also come up with some orders promoting this indigenous product then it will sure become successful in the domestic markets too. Rather than that, there is huge demand of this product in the international markets” Reza said.

Dr. Reza, who is also a social scientist by profession, suggested that the government should also frame policies promoting the projects. “The entrepreneurs will be benefitted if the government positively takes interest in buying products of state’s entrepreneurs in subsidy and promote their work in the national as well as international markets” he added.