Furniture is the forth basic need of human beings, hence India is the biggest consumer of furniture. Presently this need is fulfilled by huge import from many countries, and China stands at lead position. After PM announcement of ‘ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT’, the government has identified many sectors, which are considered as priority for making India self reliant and, Furniture sector is one of them, where India government is considering support so that India can emerge as the biggest Furniture manufacturer and exporters.
To accelerate this dream, Government must understand that for making Furniture sector as one of self reliant sectors, the entire eco-system of it needs equal support, such as the raw materials, technology and skills. The raw materials have significant share in making of furniture, hence the growth of wood panel products such as Plywood, MDF, Particle Boards, Laminates, etc should be in focus too and hence the Government need to support the Agri-Wood and Plantation timber in India.
Government also realizes that without supporting wood panel sector, vision for making the Furniture sector as Self Reliant, would remain only dream and WoodPanel industries can’t grow without support of Agro timbers. Indian Wood Panel and Plywood Sector are demanding from Government of India, to declare Agro wood as a ‘Farm Produce’ and abolish the Licence requirement in India, which has become a hurdle for the growth of the wood panel sector
Although a large section does not support this due to being already overcrowded segment where making margins are very tough, but scientist and learned experts believe that, all will prosper with growth in agro forestry becoming restriction free because Indian wood panel sector is entirely dependent on Plantation timber and grows on farmer’s land. It does not harm the environment, although it supports the environment and saves forest wood. It will help farmers to earn good money in plantations and the entire ecosystem will be benefited. The role of the forest department should abolish and amend in law.
On this subject there is a need of clarity from Wood Panel Industry Association bodies before they stand together and seek support. Wood panel sector is creator of lacs of jobs, helps to grow farmer’s income, save environment, important for furniture sector growth and finally, fulfill the vision of PM’s ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT and it needs to be discussed and ask for the support from the government in every possible way.
This August issue is again an effort to bring more information and knowledge for industry stakeholders of wood and decorative panel sector. The issue has insightful reports on Decorative Laminates, Face Veneer, ACP, WPC/PVC boards, Plywood, Phenol, Timber, etc. The special feature on ‘How Indian HDF FLOORING INDUSTRY can be an example for ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT?’ is worth read. The interview with Mr. J L Ahuja, Director, AICA Laminates India Pvt Ltd is also published. The Ply Reporter is working tirelessly to present news, analysis, interviews and facts and figures for the industry and trade to make it an organised sector. Keep reading to grow faster.
Rajiv Parashar
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