Although the Devithan Pickle Processing Group in Tsirang had plenty of raw materials, it lacked the equipment and facilities needed to scale up production. Now, with support from the Tsirang Forest Division, the group has a dedicated processing unit and all the necessary tools for making pickles. The members are now aiming to boost production and expand into local markets.
The Devithan Community Forest in Sunkosh Chiwog is rich in non-wood forest products such as mangoes and bamboo shoots.
The Devithan Pickle Processing Group currently makes five types of pickles using these ingredients.
Until recently, they had no proper processing room or tools.
The Tsirang Forest Division stepped in to help. It provided one of the rooms at the Sunkosh campsite for processing and converted a former checkpoint into a sales outlet.
The group also received basic tools such as storage containers, plastic bowls, chopping knives, aprons, and a working table. These were used during a recent pickle processing training.
“When I visited their places, I observed that they did not have a proper working space, tools or storage facilities. And they could not even maintain cleanliness. But today we identified a space for them,” said Phuntsho Tobgay, the Chief Forestry Officer of the Tsirang Forest Division.
The group members say the facilities will help them to produce more and improve the quality of their products.
The chairman of the Devithan Pickle Processing Group, Kharka Singh Chhetri said, “We have plenty of raw materials like bamboo shoots, gooseberry and mangoes in the community forest. We use them to make pickles. But earlier, we couldn’t attract more customers due to poor quality pickles.”
The Tsirang Forest Division says they will monitor and ensure proper use of the equipment and that hygiene and safety standards are followed.
The eight-member group was formed in 2020 to help the community earn income by using non-wood forest products from the Devithan Community Forest.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
