Villagers of Philooma Chiwog under Orong Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar are now into bamboo furniture making business. It’s a skill they acquired recently with the help of Helvetas Bhutan.
20 villagers underwent a 12-day training on bamboo furniture making organized by Helvetas Bhutan. Apart from couches, chairs and tables, the villagers also learned how to make kitchen utensils out of bamboo.
Prior to the training, villagers only knew how to make bamboo crafts like baskets and trays.
“We are hoping to earn good money from the sale of bamboo furniture,” said Jigme Dorji, one of the villagers.
Rinchen, another villager, says the skill will save them a lot of money now that they are able to make their own kitchen utensils and furniture.
The Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongda, Tharchen Lhendup, during his recent visit to the Chiwog, encouraged villagers to keep their interest in the newfound business venture alive.
The Dzongda also promised the villagers that he will help find market for their bamboo products.
The villagers are carrying out the bamboo craft business in groups, which they formed with support from the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation.
