With easily available grinding machines in the market, using watermills has become almost a thing of the past in many villages. But in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Lauri Gewog, some villagers still use watermills to grind grains. They are preserving the tradition.
The watermill on Marpheychhu stream is located about nine kilometres from Lauri Chiwog.
More than 20 households in Lauri Chiwog use the mill to grind sweet buckwheat, millet, and maize.
“In the past, people used water mills but these days, this tradition is on the decline. It is due to the imported rice that is available in the market. The mill is mostly used by people who live nearby. We use it as the quality of the flour and even the taste is better when we grind it in a watermill,” said Pema Rinzin, a villager.
“It was introduced by our forefathers so, we are still using it,” said Yeshi Dorji, another villager.
Villagers added that they carry out the maintenance themselves. But with easily available imported products in the market, the villagers are worried that the practice might decline in the future.
“Youth do not stay in the village. Moreover, some do prefer flour but others don’t. We the elderly people are the ones who use this mill to grind,” added Pema Rinzin.
“The flour is of good quality when we grind it using a watermill,” said Kelzang Phuntsho.
Today, there are ten watermills in Lauri Gewog.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
