Authors:Priyanka Shukla, Mahendra Joshi
Abstract:Bamboo is regarded as the most versatile and sprightly growing perennial grass. Rapid globalization and industrialization is leading to depletion of many viable natural resources like timber. Mitigating the needs of timber, a surpassing surrogate is needed. Bamboo being a multifunctional and fast growing species, may be considered as a viable alternative to timber. Therefore, to review the Indian bamboo furniture industry it was necessary evaluate the various social, economic and environmental impediments the industry is facing. Bamboo has a huge social and economic impact as it can provide livelihood to the rural people in remote areas and also aid in women empowerment as most of the grass root artisans are women. Improved cultivation, processing, designing and production of high quality bamboo products can lead to increased exports and foreign exchange income. The promotion of bamboo furniture industry will help to maintain the ecological balance and contribute to sustainable development. Inspite of the perceived benefits, bamboo furniture industry is currently facing huge uncertainty and roadblocks. The bamboo furniture industry suffers from the lack of facilitating government policy encouraging growth. There is no connection between the consumer demand, taste and the manufacturers, artisans. This leads to production of bamboo furniture that are considered as “outdated”, “rustic” or just “poor”. Moreover, in India there is no educational course or curriculum to educate young designers, architects about bamboo and stimulate interest amongst the end users Hence, this industry needs a impactful change in govern ment policy, rigorous promotional measures and training to low skilled workers to increase commercialization of bamboo furniture. This will lead to rejuvenation of rural economy and can help India become a exporter of bamboo products.
Keywords:Bamboo furniture, impact, renewable resources, sustainability