New Delhi, Mar 23 (KNN) Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Nitin Gadkari has said that the domestic bamboo industry has potential to be worth Rs 30,000 crore.

He said this while addressing a virtual exhibition on Bamboo Technology, Products and Services through video conferencing on Tuesday organised by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).

''There is a need to increase demand for bamboo. Bamboo has potential to be used as an alternative to coal and can also be used in construction,'' he said.

He also said that use of jute and coir mattresses is soon going to be made mandatory for all NHAI roads. He advocated varied use of traditional materials like jute, coir and bamboo by developing them further.

Technologically proven, cost effective and attractive product designing can establish and promote the use and demand of bamboo, which will encourage people to go for bamboo plantation, he said.

Gadkari assured all assistance from the Ministry of MSME for any scheme related to promotion of bamboo and said that we need more research, more appropriate approach for product development, and market support.

He also added that he is trying to get a 50 per cent subsidy from Railways for bamboo and bamboo sticks.

Later, he exuded confidence that by increasing use and requirement of bamboo will lead to increase in its plantation.