Cotton cultivation was once the primary source of fibre for self-sufficiency in Pema Gatshel. However, with the arrival of imported fibres, the practice gradually declined and eventually disappeared for decades. Today, farmers in the district are reviving the tradition. A women’s group in Dechhenling Gewog has joined hands with two other gewogs to bring cotton farming back to life.
Cotton farming, once revived in Chongshing and Dungmin Gewogs, is now gaining ground in Dechhenling as well.
A women’s group in the gewog has cultivated the fibre on about an acre of land to meet the growing market demand. This season, they are harvesting it for the first time.
Although cotton farming is new for many of them, the women say the yield so far has met their expectations.
Chimi Lhatshok, who leads the women’s group, said, “In the past, our parents practised this cultivation. I asked my friends if they were interested in reviving it, and they agreed. With their support, I also decided to revive this traditional culture, and here we are today.”
Choni Zangmo, a cotton grower said, “She asked us if we were interested, and we said yes. She took the lead, and we joined in. Today, we are happy because our efforts have been successful. We even managed to collect some of the old equipment for processing.”
The group plans to supply yarn to Thimphu. But before that, they must turn the cotton bolls into yarn. They rely on traditional tools, which were difficult to find as they almost disappeared along with cotton farming. Farmers say these tools are still essential for processing the fibre.
Choni Zangmo said, “We believe this can turn into a good business. Currently, we are performing ginning and carding manually, but we have been informed that a machine will be provided soon. Once it arrives, our work will become much easier.”
“Using the traditional method is difficult, so I have requested the ministry to provide us with a machine. We’ve been informed it will reach us by next month, and I’m very excited about that,” said Chimi Lhatshok.
The Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property is supporting the group.
With more support, they hope to eventually produce finished cotton products. The group currently has seven members and is open to welcoming more individuals interested in joining their initiative.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
