India has the largest bamboo area and second largest reserve of bamboo in the world today. The North Eastern Region (NER) has the largest bamboo stock in the country and accounts for 54 per cent of the bamboo resources in India. The size of the domestic bamboo economy has been estimated at around 2000 crores by the Planning Commission. The market potential however is estimated at around 4500 crores.

India’s share in the global market is estimated to be US $ 1 Billion (around 4000 crores) and is expected to increase to US$ 5.7 Billion (around 22800 crores) by 2015. The world market for bamboo is large and growing. Recent estimates place the bamboo market at about US$ 12 Billion and market is expected to double by 2015.

Trade in bamboo is mainly on raw materials, bamboo charcoal, housing, pulp, paper and cloth, bamboo panels and floorings, weaving products and crafts, furniture, fuels, edible bamboo shoots, etc.

The NER has the largest stock in the country and bamboo has been a part of their culture since time immemorial. Bamboos are used by the natives for constructions, farm implements, household items, toys, decorative, utility and other handicrafts. Bamboo handicrafts of this region have been widely appreciated and accepted the world over. With infusion of technology and training through CBTC, bamboo handicraft are being standardized and marketed to foreign markets.