Despite the potential, the production of local yarns in the country has not been as expected. This is mainly due to lack of coordination between its sellers and buyers. Bridging this gap, a two-day business meet between the two is underway in Thimphu.
Sellers of yarn from places as far as Sakteng are here in Thimphu to build direct contact with the buyers. They said, so far, they have been producing yarns only for personal use. They were not aware of the demand in the market.
“We never produced yarns for a commercial purpose. We were surprised to know there is a demand for local yarns. People are now interested to produce more yarns. And if the business goes well, then it will also help revive our sheep rearing culture,” Nima from Merag, said.
Similarly, most buyers have been importing yarns to meet their growing demand.
“Before, it was difficult to get in contact with the yarn sellers. However, from this meet, we get to know each other and we also get an opportunity to negotiate the prices,” Tashi Tshomo from Druk Yathra, said.
The meet is expected to establish formal business deals among the buyers and sellers. This, in a way, will address the concerns related to quality, price and costing of the locally produced yarns.
“Under the EU project, we are supposed to make products using local yarns. Currently, we are making bed sheets, pillow covers and table cloths. So, with the Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts bringing the sellers from Sagteng, Yurung, and Pema Gatshel here, we can discuss and negotiate the prices,” Deki from National Dye in Thimphu, said.
Recognising the potential in the production of local yarns, the Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts (APIC) is encouraging the local sellers to scale up their production.
“Till now the farmers have been producing for themselves only, just for their home consumption. But now with the rising trend, under this project, we have a new collection. And for this collection, we want to make handmade textiles which is 100% made in Bhutan,” Karma Choden, the Manager of APIC, said.
Apart from resolving marketing and production issues, the meet is also to encourage yarn producers to keep alive the tradition of producing local yarns of nettle, cotton, sheep wool and yak fur.
The APIC with support from the European Union is organising the meeting.
Kinley Dem
