India's Green Gold Potential Hinges on Policy Overhaul

India's bamboo market, which was valued at $314.67 million in 2024, is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.82 per cent between 2026 and 2030.

- Suchetana Choudhury

In terms of value, the pulp and paper sector is anticipated to hold a 43.6 per cent market share among end-use industries by 2034. In terms of value, food (bamboo shoots) is anticipated to hold a very small market share in 2034.

Bamboo, often called green gold and poor man's timber, holds great potential for India - not just as a natural resource but also as a powerful tool for economic growth, environmental sustainability & rural employment. India has a significant area under bamboo cultivation with 13.96 million hectares", mentioned Prashant Date, Founder, Date Bambusetum. 'Vocal for Local' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), which the government is pushing, should help boost the domestic bamboo industry even more.

“Despite possessing the world's second-largest bamboo reserves after China, we continue to be one of the largest importers of bamboo products, particularly incense sticks (agarbatti) raw materials. This contradiction is not due to a lack of resources, but rather a fragmented policy approach and absence of a cohesive value chain management strategy. A paradigm shift in how we govern bamboo is urgently needed—starting with treating bamboo as a commodity, not just as a grass”, added Kamesh Salam, Founder & CEO, Canboo. The bamboo market is well-positioned to overcome current obstacles and maintain its growth trajectory using growing technology interventions and the upskilling of craftsmen. “In an era increasingly focused on circular economies and eco-friendly alternatives, Bamboo’s industrial applications resonate with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action (SDG 13), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work (SDG 8), and sustainable consumption (SDG 12)”, added Dr Abhinav Kant, In-charge, Bamboo and Cane Development Institute, NECTAR.