SERIAN: Twenty-seven people from various sectors completed a two-day course on bamboo species identification and propagation techniques.
The April 28-29 programme, supports the state government’s efforts to develop a sustainable and well-structured bamboo industry in Sarawak.
Participants comprised nine personnel from the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and 18 members of local communities, representatives from higher education institutions, and relevant government agencies.
The course aimed to enhance participants’ technical competencies in identifying local bamboo species while equipping them with practical propagation techniques for commercial development.
O the first day the training focused on theoretical components such as an introduction to bamboo, species identification methods, and propagation techniques.
Participants were introduced to key morphological characteristics, including stem structure, leaves, and shoots, which are essential in distinguishing different bamboo species.
On the second day, the programme continued with hands-on training at the STIDC Sabal Bamboo Nursery Site and the Sabal Bamboo Trial Plot.
Participants applied propagation techniques in field conditions and learned proper nursery management practices to ensure healthy seedling growth before carrying out species identification exercises on-site.
The course was conducted by forestry experts from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Amir Sariffudin and Norhisyam Ismail.
