Chinese delegation arrives in Tripura on study tour

Agartala, Dec 9: A three-member delegation of the China-based International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), led by Zhejing Forest University president Prof Jhang Kisheng, arrived here today on a four-day study tour.

Prof Kisheng, also a Chinese Engineering Academy member, said they would assess the bamboo and timber potential of Tripura and meet the cultivators as part of the ITTO venture for promoting forest-based economy in the state.

The ITTO had approved a project of USD 48,114 in June, funded by the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC), and the Tripura Forest Development and Plantation Corporation (TFDPC) was assigned the project.

''The pre-project delegation intends to assess the nature and seriousness of the problem of shifting cultivation in Tripura, identify priority areas for undertaking remedial measures to conserve bio-diversity and prevent environmental degradation,'' state Forest Minister Jitendra Choudhury said.

Besides Prof Kisheng, the expert team included Prof Jing Shenxue and Dr Mingei Guan of the Nanging Bamboo Engineering Research Centre under the Nanging Forest University, who held a meeting with Mr Choudhury and senior officials of the department after reaching Agartala.

China is the third country after Japan and Germany to extend financial support to Tripura for forest-based projects in 2007.

UNI