Nepal, Dec. 23 -- Despite contributing nearly 1 percent to Nepal's GDP, the bamboo sector remains largely informal and under-commercialised. Traditional uses, including scaffolding, weaving, handicrafts and household items, dominate the current market, while its potential for value-added products, women's economic empowerment and climate change mitigation remains largely untapped.

In Nepal, bamboo falls under the broader non-timber forest products (NTFP) sub-sector. The Forest Law provides the legal framework for managing NTFPs, recognising their importance for rural livelihoods and emphasising sustainable management and utilisation. However, no rules directly govern bamboo production or trade. The Department of Forests, through its dist...