By Ayesha Saba ISLAMABAD, Jan. 26 (INP-WealthPK): Bamboo is a multipurpose forest product that plays a vital role in the world’s industrial and domestic economics. In Pakistan, bamboo production is considered economically viable and has market potential. Bamboo was once only grown in particular areas in Pakistan, such as sandy areas, but now it is grown with the same care as other crops to get the maximum potential yield. Bamboo is grown in more than 85 locations in Pakistan, particularly in Sargodha, Jhang, Kasur, Lahore, Khushab, Ganda Singh Wala, Bhalwal, Mandi Bhahauddin and Dera Ghazi Khan. Pakistan sold 5,461 tons of bamboo in 2019. In comparison to the preceding year, demand for Pakistani bamboo (agro commodities category) increased by 11.61 percent in 2019. Bamboo exports climbed by 13.32 percent between 2017 and 2019, bringing in $1.20 million for the year. The bamboo of Pakistan is of good quality and it is in big demand in the UAE, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries, therefore, its production is increasing day by day which is benefiting the economy. Recognition of the socio-economic benefits of bamboo and rattan led to the establishment of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) in 1997, with the aim of improving the wellbeing of producers and users. The INBAR is an international organisation, registered with the United Nations and headquartered in Beijing, China. It is composed of 48 member states from around the world. Many of INBAR’s member states have a long history of using bamboo and rattan and rich native resources. However, North American and European markets are now trading more and more in bamboo and rattan products too.

1. Pakistan became the latest member of the INBAR and officially joined on July 1, 2021, the organisation’s 48th member, and 16th from the Asia-Pacific region. Resources of the INBAR may be used to promote bamboo products of Pakistan. Problems related to climate change, land degradation and natural calamities like floods and earthquakes can be mitigated by cultivating bamboo.

Source: Pakistan Bamboo market insight Bamboo is an important plant in Asia, ecologically, socially and commercially. It is a renewable material available worldwide in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. Bamboo-based development is an effective way to improve the livelihoods of rural people in bamboo-growing areas because they generally have adequate access to these crops and it can be grown or harvested in forest margins or agroforestry situations with only a small initial capital investment to generate farm income. The bamboo crop grows quickly and can be harvested annually without depletion and deterioration of the soil. It doesn't require any medications or chemical sprays, and it can bear extreme weather. Bamboo can grow on marginal land and has relatively light weight, because the culms are hollow, unlike wood that can be easily harvested and transported without specialised equipment or vehicles. As the global population grows and resources are stretched, bamboo can continue to serve the poor, as it has been used for their shelter and for everyday utilities, as raw material in furniture production and papermaking, as a fuel, a fibre for making cloth, and for making a range of products from chopsticks and tableware, to packaging materials, to handicrafts and food and other healthcare products. China remains the world leader in bamboo and rattan trade and indisputably the world’s largest producer of these products. Exports of bamboo products in China increased to $17,380 in December 2019, according to China Customs. With rich resources and well-developed bamboo products, markets and technologies, China’s bamboo regions have long served as a source of inspiration and technical training for other INBAR member states. Other countries with significant bamboo resources and bamboo exports include Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and India. Bamboo is seen as an alternative to timber in some areas, and it can contribute to tackling deforestation. There is growing interest in low-cost sustainable materials, and bamboo is seen as offering an opportunity in this particular area. Bamboo and rattan could become key elements of Pakistan's sustainable development, and play a role in initiatives like the country's Ten Billion Tree Tsunami projects.