Bamboo Value Chain Expert Shri Kamesh Salam Visits ICAR-CCARI Goa’s Bambusetum

     Renowned bamboo value chain expert and internationally recognized bamboo ambassador, Shri Kamesh Salam, visited the Bambusetum at ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Old Goa, on 23 May 2026. Shri Kamesh Salam is widely known for his pioneering contributions to integrated bamboo value chain development and for founding World Bamboo Day. He was accompanied by Dr. Pradip V. Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, Goa State Biodiversity Board and Mr. Rahul, bamboo design expert from the National Institute of Design, Bengaluru. The dignitaries were warmly welcomed by Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director ICAR-CCARI, Goa who briefed them about the institute and the Bambusetum. Dr. Parveen Kumar highlighted the importance of bamboo in strengthening sustainable agriculture, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, and supporting the rural economy through diversified bamboo-based enterprises. Shri Kamesh Salam appreciated the rich bamboo germplasm collection and the efforts undertaken by ICAR-CCARI towards bamboo collection, conservation, and evaluation. He emphasized that bamboo has significant potential as a crop for the hills, plateaus, and Khazan bunds of Goa due to its ecological adaptability, livelihood opportunities, and contribution to sustainable development. He also expressed keen interest in collaborating with ICAR-CCARI and the Goa State Biodiversity Board to identify and promote bamboo species suitable for coastal ecosystems. Dr. Pradip V. Sarmokadam appreciated the diversity of bamboo conserved at the institute and highlighted the importance of bamboo in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihood development. He further emphasized the need to integrate bamboo-based ecological approaches for promoting environmental sustainability in Goa. During the visit, Dr Uthappa A.R., Senior Scientist (Agroforestry) explained the objectives, significance, and applications of the Bambusetum, which conserves nearly 60 bamboo germplasm collections. He highlighted the institute’s efforts in collecting, conserving, and evaluating bamboo species suitable for coastal ecosystems. The visiting experts also visited the Khazan land rejuvenation project developed by ICAR-CCARI, Goa. Dr. Gopal Mahajan Senior Scientist (Soil Science) briefed the delegation on the scientific interventions and measures undertaken for the rejuvenation of Khazan lands. The visit was coordinated by Dr. Uthappa A.R. and Dr. Gopal Mahajan.