Bamboo – path to a more sustainable future

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Climate change has put the need for sustainability at the centre of development. Excessive dependency on carbon emitting fuels, plastic and wood timber has created fossil economies that are projected to heat the earth’s atmosphere by 5 degree Celsius by the end of this century; a temperature far above than that at which scientists believe humans can survive with limited challenges. The need to search for greener alternatives is imperative—not just to preserve the earth, but also human life and society as we know it.

A feature in the landscape

In India, bamboo, a grass found naturally and widely, is an easy answer to this challenge. Bamboo has been a fundamental feature in India’s diverse geography and has, therefore, been used extensively by communities across the country—from the Himalayan reaches of the north-east to the coasts of the Konkan and the forests of central India.

As a durable, renewable yet malleable non-wood natural resource, bamboo has earned the rightful title of the ‘wise man’s timber.’ Yet, its potential in varied industries remains under explored.

The first reason for bamboo’s conspicuous absence from mainstream economy was its designation as a tree, which was changed in 2017. The second reason is bamboo’s reputation as a ‘poor man’s timber’ which has prevented bamboo product manufacturers from foraying into the consumer market. However, this is changing thanks to the efforts of organisations that are actively bringing bamboo and bamboo derived products into an evolving consumer market that is demanding fashionably designed sustainable products.

India’s Bamboo Potential

With the second highest biomass of bamboo in the world, at 13.96 million hectares, India is well placed to lead a revolution towards the use of this grass. Since 2017, bamboo’s popularity as a cash crop has grown rapidly. Given its strength, bamboo holds a promising future in construction, furniture design, and roads besides consumer products, paper, and biofuel.

In the recently concluded National Consultation on Opportunities and Challenges for Bamboo in India, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Transport and MSME, shared that bamboo’s inclusion in road construction is not only cheaper and more sustainable, but that it also reduces import dependency on certain materials while generating employment for local communities.

The global bamboo market is expected to reach over USD 72.10 Bn (Rs 5.33 lakh crore) by 2026, growing around 5.5% each year. The bamboo and rattan industry of India is worth merely USD 3.97 Bn (Rs 28,005 crore). Despite India’s vast bamboo resources, India also imports bamboo and bamboo products to meet its annual bamboo demands, indicating that the country is falling far short in harnessing its bamboo potential. With the right focus, however, India can not only substitute this import dependency but also become a leading global exporter of bamboo.

Reaching the Goal

With its 136 species of bamboo, there is tremendous potential to realise in the bamboo economy. Agarbattis are a good starting point. Despite the widespread availability of bamboo—which is used to make agarbatti—India is import dependent. This can be changed with institutionalised investments in targeted areas of the bamboo sector.

Bamboo holds the promise of a future that is cleaner, greener and more sustainable. With targeted investments, the sector can emerge as a frontrunner in India’s fight against climate change. Furthermore, as a naturally occurring and rapidly growing resource, bamboo is a far more financially viable alternative to the materials used widely today. A multi-billion-dollar opportunity, where India can lead exports is waiting to be exploited and when it comes, India will be ready for that bamboo revolution.

(Special arrangement with Invest India)