THE demand for bamboo handicrafts is flourishing in the domestic market; howev­er, prices are rising due to a scarcity of raw materials and a declining workforce, according to bamboo expert U Kyaw Win.

As decorating with bam­boo handicrafts and utensils becomes fashionable again, domestic consumption has increased significantly com­pared to previous years. But, due to a shortage of skilled labour, production capacity is declining, leading to an im­balance between supply and demand.

“We are seeing more in­terest in the bamboo handi­craft and utensil market than before. In some places, peo­ple use them for natural-style decoration to attract attention. The market is definitely there. But the challenge we face is that demand and supply don’t match, as there are so few ac­tual producers. The main issue is the labour shortage,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that the prices of bamboo prod­ucts have risen compared to previous years alongside the increasing cost of raw bamboo. He also mentioned that despite receiving some international orders due to this growing in­terest, they are currently un­able to export.

U Kyaw Win suggested that the current scarcity of bamboo is partly due to slash-and-burn cultivation and im­proper bamboo shoot harvest­ing techniques. He emphasized the urgent need to establish private bamboo plantations to ensure a sustainable supply. — MT/ZN