Since the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions in September last year, businesses have gradually picked up across the country. Similarly, a farmer’s broom-making group at Dechhenling Gewog in Pema Gatshel resumed their business after three years. The group is hoping to make a good income.
There are nine members in the group which was established in 2016. They are collecting grass to make brooms, the most useful item of daily use in a household.
After collecting, they take the grass to the collection centre to dry them. They usually take the brooms to Nganglam town. One broomstick is sold for Nu 25.
“We had to discontinue the collection and sale for nearly three years amid the pandemic. With support from the government, we are thinking of giving in our best. We are hoping it will benefit us to earn some income,” said Dorji Chedup, a member of the group.
“With our request, the government has provided us with an empty house to keep our products. If we discontinue the collection, the house will remain idle. It will be a loss for the government. We will work hard and will request the forest officials to have better regulation hereafter,” said Samten, another member.
Known as Thysanolaena maxima, the broom grass is seen aplenty along the roadside. However, farmers aren’t allowed to collect them. They said if they are allowed then it would benefit their business.
“As we are not allowed to collect these brooms from the state land, we don’t have other places except our land. So, we have planted it on our private land. The ones in the state land have dried as we are restricted to pick them up. We would be grateful if we are allowed to collect the grass from the roadside,” added Samten.
“We aren’t able to sell all the products here in the locality. If not for the rules and regulations from the customs office and BAFRA, we will be able to sell it across the border. This affects our business. Moreover, it’s difficult for farmers like us to understand and follow the rules and regulations. If there is an easier way, it would immensely help us in marketing,” added Dorji Chedup.
Meanwhile, according to the Nganglam Range Office, the group must write to the office to obtain a permit to collect the broom.
Due to its strong web-like rooting system, broom grass helps prevent soil erosion and stabilise slopes. They can regenerate quickly even in degraded land and do not require much maintenance.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
