Thanks to a project funded by the United Nations development Programme, awareness about the economic potential of bamboo cultivation in the country's North-East region has increased manifold. However, by all indications at present a lot needs to be done in terms of policy and its execution as also funds if this sector is to be developed into a vibrant economic option in the region. Also, a plan needs to be put in place to deal with the consequences of bamboo flowering, which can trigger famines.