Bamboo and cane contribute a lot to the economy and lifestyle of the north-eastern state of Assam. This is mainly because of the fact that the hills and forests of the region have vast expanses of bamboos and canes and the natives, being excellent craftsmen that they are, have learnt to use them for a wide range of purpose in their everyday life. The bamboo and cane crafts of Assam are popular in other parts of the country as well. As such, there is tremendous potential for this industry to flourish and occupy an important place in national and international markets.

A majority of the items used by the Assamese people in their day-to-day life are made of bamboo and cane. Right from furniture and roof tiles to common household, articles like baskets, beer mugs and sieves, a large number of items are made out of them. One of the most important products of bamboo is Japi, a traditional sunshade of Assam. It is made from strips of bamboo and tokow paat (dried palm leaves). Used mainly by the open-air workers, like the farmers, nowadays the japis are also used as decorative items in the drawing rooms of the natives as well as souvenirs by the tourists.