The humble bamboo, if harnessed in the right manner, stands to change the economy of Assam state and the North East. Grown abundantly in the region that accounts for 60 per cent of the country's total bamboo reserves, this huge asset is yet to be put to its optimum use. While bamboo has come a long way from being the poor man's timber to the most promising wood substitute the world over, the State has so far failed to exploit the situation to its advantage for the lack of a scientific and holistic approach. The scenario, however, may change as the North Eastern Council (NEC) has recently adopted the North East Bamboo Mission, with the Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC) as its implementing wing. "Bamboo has traditionally been woven to the cultural fabric of the north-eastern States, and what needs to be done now is upgradation of the existing skills and technology,' CBTC director Kamesh Salam said.