A community forest group in Dechhenling Gewog of Pema Gatshel will soon be able to make the best use of the abundant bamboo in their forest. The group underwent training to make furniture and other home-based utensils recently.
The Ngangshing Gyalsay Thrungkar Community Forest of Shingchongri in Dechhenling is rich in bamboo. Until today, bamboo was used only for construction and fencing in the villages. However, this is soon going to change since the members of the group were trained in manufacturing furniture.
“We are happy to get this training for the first time in Dechhenling. We expect to earn well from selling bamboo products hereafter,” said Kencho Chophel, the Treasurer of the community forest group.
“We have been using bamboo in hut construction, fencing, and as a rope to tie the roofing. But now we learned how to make furniture and we are very grateful for that,” added Tshering Dorji, a Member of the group.
The members will first make furniture for their personal use. They are expected to start making for commercial purposes only after they master the skill.
“We have received the training. Now we are thinking of establishing a centre. We will make different furniture as much as we can. So, we can deliver as and when we receive orders,” said Tenzin Wangchuk, the Chairperson of the group.
“Though our children are educated, they hardly get jobs as there are so many requirements. Now we can even involve them in such works. We are also hoping to market these products within and outside our gewog,” added Tshering Dorji, a Member.
Of more than a hundred members, almost 30 members with basic carpentry skills were trained to make use of the bamboo. It is a small step towards cutting down on the import of such products. A step nonetheless to tip the scales in favour of the country in the long run.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam
