Authors:Rashid, A.Z.M.M; Sohel Ahmed; Khan, N.A
Abstract:This study explores the current situation, trends, problems and prospects of rattan-based furniture industry in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. The research mainly focuses on issues such as procurement and management of rattan in the study area and its role as raw material in cottage industry as well as income generation for local communities. The findings reveal that scarcity and inadequate supply of raw material is the key problem, which is further aggravated by poor quality in terms of maturity, dimension and finishing. Besides the lack of promotional activities, technological drawbacks and absence of research activities are also dwarfing the sector’s potential. Key recommendations for improvement include provision of sustained supply of raw materials by the government organizations concerned, micro credit support from reputed service providers, regular arrangement of training, marketing and promotional activities by NGOs. Studies on floristic and silvicultural characteristics, farmers’ participation and preferences, gender and equity issues and policy and management aspects need to be carried out.
Keywords:animal production; canes and rattans; communities; dwarfing; finishing; furniture; government organizations; guidelines; i