India will see surge in Demand of plywood

What is the future of Indian plywood market?

We produce 20 times less plywood than China, which is still very low. Our population of 1.4 billion is the largest in the world. Even if we increase our production tenfold in the next ten years, we will only reach half of China’s current production. If we look at it on a per capita basis, India produces just about three square feet of plywood per person on average. These factors clearly show that there is immense potential for growth in India’s plywood market in the coming years. For this, we need to prepare ourselves strongly.

Some believe that raw material availability may be a challenge. Do you agree?

No, I don’t believe so. Wood production in the country is increasing. Farmers now understand that through agroforestry they can earn about ₹60,000 per acre. It doesn’t even require too much effort compared to traditional farming. That’s why agroforestry is becoming increasingly popular.

Eucalyptus cultivation is expanding, because it starts generating income in just four years. Hence, instead of long-gestation trees, farmers are more inclined toward eucalyptus and poplar. We are promoting agroforestry in every region where our units are located, including Punjab and Karnataka.

What model is applied in China for it’s raw material?

In China, agroforestry is cultivated massively even in hilly and barren lands. We are trying to replicate this experiment in India. Agroforestry will not only provide raw material for our industry but will also be beneficial for the environment. In fact, agroforestry plays a significant role in China’s pollution control. This experiment is happening in India too, and here also agroforestry will play a big role.

How are you engaging with farmers for this initiative?

We have formed a dedicated team that coordinates with farmers. They are made aware of how to practice agroforestry. We provide them with saplings and technical assistance from time to time so they can manage it efficiently. Every wood-based industry unit should adopt this model. It will increase wood production in the country and help the plywood industry become self-reliant in terms of raw material.

What about your future plans for Uttar Pradesh?

UP is a large state in terms of population and has tremendous business opportunities. The state government is also taking several initiatives to promote the plywood industry, which is highly encouraging. Naturally, we would like to take advantage of this. As for us, setting up a unit in UP is certainly part of our future plans. However, no final decision has been made yet.

Quality in the plywood sector has always been questioned. How do you see this?

One of the major challenges for plywood is that it has long been an unorganized sector. This affects product quality, as some manufacturers do not focus on standards, and consumers suffer. But this issue is now being addressed because the Government of India has introduced quality standards under QCO (Quality Control Order). Now everyone must follow these standards. Consumers will get high-quality products, and their trust in the industry will increase. This is a very positive development for plywood as well as related products like MDF, particle board, and laminates.

How important is QCO for the industry?

QCO is absolutely essential to ensure that consumers receive high-quality products. It will also help remove substandard producers from the market—those who harm both consumers and the industry. Genuine manufacturers will naturally benefit.

Some fear QCO might create hurdles for businesses. What is your take?

No, there is no difficulty. If someone is working genuinely, they can obtain a license within a month. There should be no confusion in the industry about QCO. Its sole purpose is to bring quality into the industry. Only when we implement QCO correctly will we be able to establish ourselves at the international level.

Your father, Padma Shri Sajjan Bhajanka, is a respected name in the industry. What values have you inherited from him?

My father’s mantra is honesty and hard work. He taught us that if we follow this philosophy, success is certain. He also taught us—and all those working with us—that the consumer must always remain at the center of our business. To meet their expectations, we must work tirelessly. At the same time, we must remain accountable to our country and society, and we are committed to fulfilling that responsibility with sincerity.

What is your market strategy for the future?

We work with a clear strategy. Our focus is on directly reaching consumers, architects, dealers, and contractors. We actively engage and encourage them. We have data of two lakh carpenters and are working with 20,000 architects. We follow a well-defined advertising policy, and our main focus remains solving customer problems quickly. Introducing new products and experimenting with innovation are always our priorities. Wherever we are present, we strive to provide the best experience to our consumers.

Lastly, what do you think is the key to overcoming challenges in this industry?

It is simple—so long as we provide consumers with the right information, remain transparent about the products we sell, and stay honest in our approach, there will be no challenge we cannot overcome.

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