Nipen Deka

- Bachelor of Engineering (1981-1985) from V. National Institute of Technology, Nagpur

- Diploma in Bamboo Technology (2002) from China National Bamboo Research Centre, Hangzhou

- Computer Modeling of Feasibility Analysis and Reporting (3-Expert, 2005) from UNIDO H.Q., Austria

- Certificate Course on ‘Organic Materials Specification, ASTM Methods, etc. (2010) from Forestry Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, USA

About his Journey -

He has done his degree in engineering, worked with a premier industrial development organization under the Government of Assam for about 14 years gaining concrete experience and expertise in the areas of industrial development, attracting investments, creation of industrial infrastructures, preparation of Detailed Project Reports and the like from 1988 to end 2002.

In the year 2002, under the sponsorship of UNDP, he went to study Diploma in ‘Bamboo Technology’ from China National Bamboo Research Centre (CBRC), Hangzhou. After completing the Diploma and vast exposure to the Chinese Bamboo sector as study tour and practical lessons joined a Cane and Bamboo Project in Guwahati under funding from UNDP and implemented by UNIDO. During this tenure, carried five species of bamboo from Assam to China to process into various engineered products in guidance & collaboration with experienced Chinese Bamboo Scientists from ‘Bamboo Engineering Research Centre (BERC)’ of Nanjing Forestry University and ‘Fustar Bamboo and Lumber Co.’ a renowned bamboo processing industry. Stayed in the above company for more than 2 months with the scientists and overlooked the entire processing technology and process parameters for making various different boards, panels, moulds, etc. The scientists were very helpful in explaining in detail about the machinery, their specifications and uses, the recipe and preparation of resins and their testing, hot press timing, stages and the like. The Diploma course also helped in transforming the theory they taught into practical applications. While making bamboo briquettes from Indian bamboo, the briquettes got stuck in the machine and the outer layers fully burnt. Then some modifications had to be made in the moulding machines resulting excellent Indian bamboo briquettes even better than the Chinese Moso bamboo. The scientists explained him the reasons and how they modified on the spot. Ultimately, number of products were made and shipped to their office. All the testing of the boards, beams, panels were made in the laboratory of the BERC. The products were excellent with better specifications however, since Indian bamboo in harder and have more density, the culm anatomy is somewhat different leading to inferior outlook of the panels, sticks whereas the Moso bamboo looks much fairer.

Thereafter, he joined North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council under the DONER Ministry as GM in 2004 and served till 2014. During this tenure, developed a Bamboo Technology Centre with machines from India, Taiwan, Italy, Germany under funding from UNIDO to provide training and to act as a live demonstration unit highlighting the tangible and intangible benefits which otherwise could not be experienced in ordinary environment. He have been instrumental in preparing numerous Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) that serve as blueprints for government departments, entrepreneurs, and NGOs alike. Notable projects include the DPR for the 'National Bamboo Mission' which was launched in 2006 the 'Bamboo Technology Park' in Chaygaon and a comparative study report on ‘Technology used in Cane and Bamboo Handicrafts in South East Asia including China Vis- à-vis in India under the sponsorship of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). In this study, various handicraft technologies used in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China were mapped and produced in the form of a study report which was highly acclaimed. Wrote a “Training Manual on Nursery, Commercial Plantation, Preservation and Primary Processing of Bamboo” under the NBM which got translated to many languages. These efforts highlight not only his commitment to fostering growth within this sector but also his belief in its potential to drive economic development sustainably. Also conducted three International seminars on Bamboo in Team and also presented a paper in a similar international seminar held in Hanoi, Vietnam at the request of the Vietnamese Forestry Department. Our organization became the ‘Bamboo Technical Support Group’ for the eastern region covering all the seven NER States and Bihar, Chattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal and rendered them the required technical guidance. One of the most satisfying.

He have devoted over 15 years to advancing the bamboo sector. His extensive experience includes developing numerous nurseries and commercial plantations across more than 50,000 hectares under the NBM, showcasing the vast potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource. Throughout his career, he have identified numerous business opportunities within the bamboo product landscape, facilitating technology transfer for innovative solutions such as laminated bamboo panels, mechanized blinds, bamboo strand woven beams, panels. His tenure as General Manager at the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Agency allowed him to spearhead initiatives that transformed local economies while promoting sustainable practices.

Additionally, his collaboration with UNIDO's cane and bamboo project and multinational firms like TUV-SUD (2014), South Asia as Consultant (Bamboo), as Vice President with TransBiz Associates Pvt. Ltd. (2020-22) related to implementation of the ‘Bamboo Industrial Park at Dima Hasao, as Advisor, Bamboo Technology Park, Chaygaon, as Project Director, ATMS Pvt. Ltd. (Continuing) has equipped him with a unique perspective on global best practices in bamboo development. The versatility of bamboo is unmatched; it is not only an eco-friendly alternative but also a catalyst for economic growth. By harnessing this incredible resource, we can pave the way for a greener future by transition from ‘Linear Economy’ to ‘Circular Economy’ while creating meaningful job opportunities in our communities. As bamboo can be utilized in construction, panels, furniture- making, textiles, and even bio-energy, his work has involved identifying these lucrative business opportunities within the bamboo industry, paving the way for entrepreneurs and investors looking to tap into this eco-friendly market.