Cotton cultivation is viable in most parts of Pema Gatshel. However, only a handful of farmers are willing to grow and process cotton as it is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Now, the installation of a cotton processing machine at the Dechhenling Organic Cotton Detshen is offering renewed hope to local growers.
Cotton was once widely cultivated in Dechhenling Gewog. However, over the time, the easy availability of imported yarn led to the decline and eventual disappearance of local cotton production.
Today, many people are unaware that cotton was once part of the community’s livelihood and culture.
Determined to revive this lost tradition, a group of women in Dechhenling came forward to revivecotton cultivation.
The recent support ofa modern cotton processing machine has now eased their workload and boosted their motivation.
Kinzang Dema, a member of Dechhenling Organic Cotton Detshen said, “The traditional processing method was very hard for us. It was time-consuming. Luckily, we recently received a machine, which has made the work much easier.”
Rinchen Lhamo, another member said, “Now, with the machine, we can complete the work easily. We are now planning to take this initiative more seriously.”
Choni Zangmo, also a member said, “We were worried about how to properly carry out ginning and carding. Now that we have a received machine for processing, we are very grateful for the support.”
With improved access to modern processing machine, members of the group are hopeful of sustaining and expanding cotton cultivation, reviving a traditional livelihood while creating new opportunities for rural women.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
