The Indian wood industry would die a slow death if the government continues to be apathetic to its needs, warned director of Institute of Wood Science and Technology SC Joshi.
The Indian wood industry would die a slow death if the government continues to be apathetic to its needs, warned director of Institute of Wood Science and Technology SC Joshi. All the press that climate change and sustainable living has got has made the industry vulnerable. It’s time for an image makeover for this versatile material, he said announcing the International Conference and Exhibition on the Art and Joy of Wood.
Although the industry is growing at a rate of 15% annually, it needs to be grown. Trees grown outside the forest can meet the requirement. Indian artisans and businessmen are losing out to imports. Government policies that are not holistic are to blame, he said, talking about the need for an event that would encourage people to look at wood with new eyes.
“Forestry scenario is misunderstood; the industry is not being talked about,” he said.
Six million people in the country are dependent on the industry. There are 4,500 hardwood species, yet tropical hardwoods are scarce. These are used in handicraft. It is now possible to get good products out of secondary species, said DN Pandey, director of Indian plywood and training institute. Consumers should warm up to wood as it is carbon neutral. It can lock up carbon for a good 60-70 years, he said. It is a harmless, sustainable, carbon neutral material, whose usage should be more widespread, he stressed.
“Wood is scare in India. When people use wood, they give value to forests. Most people think using wood is bad — that it would cause deforestation. That’s not true. Its use would help generate income for forest management,” said Adrian Whiteman of FAO, which is funding the conference.
The conference — to be held from October 19-22 — would educate visitors on different varieties and qualities of wood. The discussion would focus on how more widespread use of wood could be encouraged, capitalising on emerging trends. About 30 papers will be presented by speakers, including those from USA, UK, China, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, Vietnam, Philippines, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Thailand, and Moscow. A commercial exhibition and wood products market will also be held in the exhibition area. Social and cultural activities for high school children have also been planned. For more details, visit www.artjoywood.org
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