Bamboo business is booming in Monggar. Following a surge in the demand for bamboo products, the Tshar Institute in Kalapang expanded from bamboo craft training to a full-fledged enterprise. The institute established its commercial arm, Tshar Enterprise last year, specialising in producing a range of bamboo furniture, reducing import and creating jobs for locals.
Skilled in her craft, 31-year-old Pema Wangmo delicately cuts bamboo pieces to weave handicrafts.
She is among the Tshar Institute’s growing number of employees.
Pema joined a year ago and earns Nu 18,000 a month as a trainer.
“It is enriching. In the past, all I learnt from my parents was to weave bangchung. Since I joined the Centre, I have received training and exposure in India and I now know how to make more products, including lamp shed, fruit baskets, and bags.”
The centre has increased its human resource from four to 13 full time staff.
The Tshar Institute began its entrepreneurial venture last year after the Gyalsung Academy in Bongdeyma sought a huge amount of bamboo for construction works.
The centre collected bamboo from across the country and supplied over 100 truckloads to the academy.
Sonam Gyeltshen, the manager of Bhutan Tshar Institute said, “Officials from the Gyalsung Project in Bongdeyma asked us to supply local bamboo for scaffolding at the project. So, we have collected bamboo from Monggar, Zhemgang, and Trashigang. From that venture, we were able to generate income for our farmers, and importantly we were able to address import of bamboo. We have also saved ourselves some money from this venture for the expansion.”
To meet the growing demand for bamboo products, the centre now focuses on producing furniture, including sofa, bed, table set, showcase and flower stands.
It distributes orders for handicrafts like basket, bangchung and other household items to 20 farmers’ cooperative in Monggar, affiliated with Bhutan Tshar Institute
Sonam Gyeltshen added that “We have been receiving orders for bamboo products in bulk. So, to meet the growing demand we started the Tshar Enterprise. Today, we are functioning as two entities. First is the Bhutan Tshar Institute, which will continue giving training and exposure to people. The institute will continue to research bamboo and diversification. Meanwhile, the enterprise will escalate production and explore the market.”
The enterprise has earned almost Nu 1 M, so far, since its inception last year.
Recently it sent two truckloads of bamboo products and handicrafts for the Royal Highland Festival.
With bamboo abundantly available around and an increasing demand for bamboo products, the centre has a promising prospect.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Phub Gyem
