India produces a range of processed wood and non-wood products. Total industrial demand for wood in roundwood equivalents (RWE) is predicted to increase from 58 million m(3) in 2000 to 153 million m(3) in 2020, when it is estimated that more than 50 percent of total Indian wood supply will come from non-forest sources. Sawn wood and composite panel industries face raw material shortages, supply-demand gaps increasing alarmingly. The raw material scenario in the pulp and paper industry is discussed, along with industry initiatives to overcome such problems. The merits and demerits of wood substitution via non-wood and recycled fibre are discussed and a mathematical model outlined which is helping gauge raw material requirements. Possible reforms are suggested to improve the efficiency of wood production, distribution and use in India, for example, cutting out waste so that less wood needs to be harvested to produce the same output of manufactured products.
