If we talk about the development of the bamboo industry, Pingtung is in a much worse condition as compared with Fuxing District in Taoyuan, which we are more familiar with. The reason is that there is no professional firm with a bamboo business as the principal engagement like Ah Shan. The few lumbering workers are at old age too. Yet, no young people want to be involved in this industry. Other factors, such as the lumbering prohibition policy with compensation, the rise of plastic products, and the influx of cheap bamboo materials from abroad, significantly reduced the demand for bamboo lumbering in Taiwan. These factors put the bamboo industry in Pingtung in a very difficult situation, the same as in the Fuxing District of Taoyuan. Their situation is even worse. Yet, some people are still willing to engage in the industry despite the difficulty, and they have tried their best to develop the bamboo industry.

The first day’s session was in a classroom environment. A lecture on bamboo processing, conservation, the application of byproducts, and occupational safety was given. The Forestry Administration staff, forest land owners, bamboo knitting craft teachers, and related personnel have joined the training. They may not be directly related to these technologies, but they can learn, exchange, and cultivate interpersonal relationships.

The second day session was based on practical work and experience sharing, including manual lumbering of bamboo, transport by excavator, operation of chain saw, removal of branches and timbering skills. The interesting thing is that everyone can experience the bamboo lumbering process further than just watching from the side. In the past, when we looked at Ah Shan and other bamboo lumbering workers in lumbering bamboo, we just felt that it was simple and easy. But it is not the case when it comes to our turn.

To ease the labor-intensiveness of bamboo lumbering, the session in the afternoon was focused on the use of bamboo cutters and grinders. Machinery improvement is indispensable for the advocacy of the bamboo industry. Yuan Yu Biotechnology is not only experienced in the production of wood and bamboo furniture, but also eagerly engaged in the research and development of innovative bamboo processing technology. At this point, we have already made an appointment for a visit to Yuan Yu Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in Pingtung.