Guwahati: In the lush green forests of Assam, where the mist dances among the tall trees, there lies a hidden treasure - bamboo. "But not just any bamboo - Assam is home to a stunning array of 43 different types of this versatile plant", Madhusmita Khound, Assistant Director of the Commissionerate of Industries & Commerce told Business North East. 

Among these, 10 varieties stand out for their commercial importance, sought after for their strength, flexibility, and beauty. "From the sturdy dendrocalamus strictus to the elegant Bambusa balcooa, each type has its own unique qualities that make it indispensable in various industries", Khound said.

“In Assam bamboo isn’t just a plant – it’s a way of life. It connects communities, sustains livelihoods, and weaves its way into the very fabric of society", Khound said.

Due to bamboo's cultural significance in Assam, it makes perfect sense for the government to tap into its potential for endless business opportunities for the indigenous craftsmen and women working in this hitherto unorganized sector.

The main bamboo growing areas of Assam are the districts of Cachar, Karbi Anglong, North Cachar Hills, Nagaon, and Lakhimpur. Apart from forests, plenty of bamboos are grown in the villages throughout the state. If even a fraction of this is utilized for exports, Assam stands to earn crores in revenue. The Global Industry Report valued the global bamboo market at USD 72.10 billion in 2019 which is expected to reach over USD 98.75 billion by 2026, growing annually at around 5.5% during the period from 2020 to 2026.

In 2021, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone of a Bamboo Industrial Park at Manderdisa in Dima Hasao district. The project will be implemented with Rs. 50 crores from the DoNER Ministry and is expected to generate vast employment opportunities for the local youths.

In the markets of Assam, bamboo is a common sight, stacked high and eagerly sought after by craftsmen, builders, and artisans alike. For centuries, the people of Assam have woven bamboo into their lives, using it for construction, furniture, and handicrafts.

In quaint villages nestled along the Brahmaputra River, skilled artisans deftly carve intricate designs into bamboo, creating exquisite furniture and household items that are both functional and beautiful. From bamboo beds to intricately woven baskets, each piece tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

But bamboo’s usefulness doesn’t end there. In the streets of Assam’s cities, the rhythmic sound of bamboo instruments fills the air, as musicians showcase their talent on bamboo flutes and drums. In homes across the region, the soothing scent of bamboo incense sticks wafts through the air, bringing a sense of calm and serenity to everyday life.

Moreover, bamboo's rapid growth rate and adaptability to various climates make it an ideal resource for reducing reliance on traditional timber, thus aiding in forest conservation efforts.

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