If you happen to visit Dorokha Central School in Samtse, you will see a lot of broom grasses growing around the campus. Like any other school in the country, Dorokha Central School takes active participation in farming as part of the School Agriculture Programme. But taking a step forward, the school has also been growing broom grasses to make their own brooms. This has helped the school save some money, all the while keeping the students engaged, and at the same time also contributing to the community and the economy in their own little way.
The school has been growing broom grasses since last year. Currently, the plants are at their final stages of growth. After a few months, it will be harvested and made into brooms. A look at some of the brooms made last year by the teachers and students, and all they need is a bit of modification with the handle, and they look as good as the ones available in the market. Thanks to the initiative, the school hasn’t had to buy any brooms from the market since last year.
According to Udai Narayan Bhattarai, the school Principal, broom grasses grow well in Dorokha and as such, they have been able to grow the plants in abundance.
“This will not only cut down the expenses but also help students take part in wholesome education process like making brooms,” he said. “Moreover, it will also help students realize about the business opportunities from agriculture and other resources available in the locality.”
He added the leaves and stem of the plant can also be used as fodder during the winter season.
“Only the soft grasses of the plant are used to make brooms. The remaining leaves and stems are then used as fodder for the livestock in the school. It is very helpful when there is not much grass grown during the dry season.”
Moreover, he added the broom grasses are also good for preventing landslides and erosion.
The school, last year, made about 200 soft brooms. And this time, they hope to make about three hundred. If others can also take a lesson from what this school is doing, the dependence on foreign goods can be reduced to some extent.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
