Despite increasing availability of designer made imported furniture in the market, the demand for locally made bamboo and cane furniture is growing. Traders say a large number of people still go for bamboo and cane furniture because they are eco-friendly and at the same time durable and attractive.

Sofa sets, chairs, book-shelves, shoe cabinets, TV stand, baskets and vases are the popular bamboo and cane furniture items available in the market.

“Sale of cane furniture is growing at the rate of 15 percent because they are known for durability and come in elegant designs for both indoor and outdoor purposes,” said Sabin Balami, store in-charge of Supreme Cane and Bamboo Showroom, Kupondole.

Not only individual homes, bamboo and cane furniture can be seen even in star hotels like Hyatt Regency and Shangri-La and restaurants like Bhojan Griha among others. Expatriate community has also showed strong liking for these furniture items. Traders say these furniture items are replacing imported high-end furniture in big hotels and restaurants.

Bamboo furniture is popular as they are durable and can come in a variety of designs. Also, people can place order for designs of their choice. There are several furniture manufacturers in the Kathmandu Valley that make bamboo furniture as per the design and specific needs of consumers.

Though demand for bamboo and cane furniture is increasing, people involved in the trade say lack of skilled manpower and raw materials as well as heavy taxes as the factors hindering the growth of this potential industry.

Bikash Balami, owner of Bamboo and Cane Products at Kupondole, said they source most of the raw materials from Kavre and Bardia while the rest is imported from India.

Bamboo and cane furniture are pried in range of Rs 150 to Rs 25,000. While a sofa set costs Rs 6,500 to Rs 25,000, tea table and long chair are priced in range of Rs 1,250 to Rs 3,500 and Rs 2,500 to Rs 15,000 respectively. Similarly, book shelves costs in range of Rs 600 to Rs 2,000.

Bamboo and cane furniture are available in Balaju, Kupondole, Tangal, Bouddha and Sankhu.

source: republica, 20 Feb 2012