2. Introduction
Prashant Lingam and Aruna Kappagantula started
Bamboo House India (BHI) in may 2008.
Initially, the duo faced many problems such as getting
approvals, convincing various regulatory bodies and
encouraging artisans but they handled and solved
them in a more creative way.
We’re starting with small changes that work, and as
each small change becomes a new reality.
3. Idea Generation
Nearly 71% of these ideas come from modified
ones or from past employment.
Only 4% of ideas are generated from systematic
research for opportunities
5% swept into PC revolution
Whereas 20% are discovered out of chance
4. Rather than routine furniture, they wanted to buy
some eco-friendly furniture.
They were not satisfied with the locally offered
bamboo furniture and started searching for the
availability of bamboo furniture outlets and bamboo
furniture markers.
India is well-endowed with resources of bamboo and
is the 2nd largest bamboo producer in the world.
Most of the country was imported from China,
Indonesia, Malaysia, etc..,
5. Idea Screening
Their study showed that a small village, Katlamara in
Tripura adjoining the Indo-Bangladesh border, home
to a tribe is rich in making unique bamboo products.
Scientifically, bamboo is a grass but the Indian forest
Act of 1927 Section 2 (7) classifies bamboo as a
TREE.
Section 26 of the Forest Act 1927, prohibits cropping
of bamboo in reserved forest except by forest
department
6. Having observed the supply and demand sides of
bamboo, Couple studied the promotional aspect too.
They observed that the government policies towards
bamboo were very conducive with National Bamboo
Mission’s ( NBM)
Before establishing the organization, to study the
market feasibility, they conducted an exhibition of
bamboo products.
They received a positive response, All these aspects
further motivated them to set up a bamboo business.
7. Motivating the Artisans
One of the major challenges, BHI faced was with the
mindset of Artisans.
Couple found it difficult to convince, communicate and
gain the trust of the artisans, as language was the barrier
for communication.
To build a strong relationship and to gain good rapport
with artisans, founders started investing money.
Situation at ground level is pretty bad, no work, no
money, artisans need round the year work
8. With inherent leadership skills, the couple overcame
some of the challenges.
Couple said they would pay INR 20,000-30,000 a
month to the seven main artisans
Even though sales were not happening, they were
paid salaries- INR 350 per day to daily wages and INR
8000 per month to permanent employees.
Even today, they draw designs on paper and send it
through post, which takes almost 20-25 days to
reach the artisans.
9. Partnership for promoting
Business Operations
It partnered with all the related agencies – NBM, NMBA,
Confederation of Indian Industry, IIT-D, TBM, APTDC,
IL&FS, APFD working in the bamboo sector.
Provide funding support for bamboo projects as banks and
financial institution do not support this sector.
BHI by entering into partnerships with these government
and semi- government organizations has benefited in terms
of gaining incentives, subsidies, investments in projects
like rural housing.
10. BHI took an initiative to bring various institutions
together under one roof to arrive at a unanimous
decision.
By 2010, they plan to set up at least 3-5
exclusive bamboo showrooms across the country
under PPP model which as such has never been
tried in the country.
