A community forest management group in Tsirang started marketing non-wood forest products to earn cash. The Devithan community forest management group in Rangthaling came with wild yam, Amla, ziziphus fruits, brooms and home-made amla pickles for sale at the Damphu weekend market.
The marketing officer of the group, Kharka Singh Chettri, said the group decided to initiate the activity hoping that it will benefit the group members. “We have lots of products in the forest which we can sell but are mostly ignored by the people.” He said that the only problem is the lack of road.
The group sold products worth a Nu. 1,000 on their first day of the market. The money will be deposited in the group account to be used for other activities in future. The marketing officer said the group plans to market their products in other Dzongkhags as well. “Even if we fail our marketing today, we will try next week. We will not give up easily. We have other products to sell. We will take it to other Dzongkhags like Thimphu and Gelephu,” said the determined marketing officer.
Since the group has limited timber, marketing non-wood forest products is their priority. These products are harvested in a sustainable way with help from the forestry officials. The group has 34 members.
