The people of Pasaphu-Peydung Chiwog in Trashigang’s Kangpar Gewog have been weaving bamboo products for their livelihood for decades. While traditional processing methods and raw material shortages have posed challenges, the installation of bamboo processing machines earlier this year has significantly benefitted the people. The people are now requesting an additional machine to process smaller bamboo strips needed for weaving bangchungs.
People in the chiwog weave various products, including bangchungs and baskets of different sizes, using a cane, Ringshu and bamboo as raw materials.
Ringshu, a bamboo species native to Bhutan, is a key raw material for those who weave bamboo products in Pasaphu.
These five bamboo processing machines installed earlier this year are used for cutting, splitting, slicing, knot removal and smoothing. The machines have helped people in producing bamboo products.
“These machines are helpful in multiple ways, such as making handles, cleaning bamboo knots, and smoothing bamboo for chairs and tables. They have been beneficial and will continue to be in the future. However, we were hoping for a machine to cut bamboo and cane into smaller strips for easy colouring and weaving,” said Sanjay Wangdi, a resident of Peydung.
“The machines assist with slicing and splitting bamboo and cane, but we have not sold any products made using them yet. So far, we have only sold items crafted manually,” said Wangda, Pasaphu-Peydung Tshogpa.
“The machines mainly focus on bamboo products, but we currently have limited bamboo available. These machines will be valuable for future generations. We have started planting more bamboo to prepare for this,” said Sangay Wangpo, a resident of Peydung.
Meanwhile, a district official said there are currently no plans to provide additional machines. However, they are monitoring the progress of the initiative.
A Bamboo Canning Enterprise Group with ten members was also formed to oversee the initiative this year. Members have been trained to operate the machinery and supply raw materials for weaving.
To ensure sustainability, the group has raised a nursery and started planting Ringshu and bamboo in their community forest and on government land.
Over Nu 2.9 M was spent on procuring the machinery, building two structures, and constructing a toilet. The project was funded by UNDP under the GEF Ecotourism Project in coordination with the district administration.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
