Arya News - Started in 2003 with the Tarayana Foundation’s help, the paper-making was successful at first. Then, the villagers took over. The centre used to produce over 2,000 sheets of paper every month. However, now they make and sell much less.
DOROKHA – A desho paper production centre in Jigme village, Dophuchen gewog, run by the Lhop community, is facing challenges in maintaining operations due to a sustained decline in demand.
Started in 2003 with the Tarayana Foundation’s help, the paper-making was successful at first. Then, the villagers took over. The centre used to produce over 2,000 sheets of paper every month. They sold these in Thimphu, Paro, and Samtse. However, now they make and sell much less.
“ Desho has some market issues. We cannot sell the products easily,” said Sonam Tshering, the current manager overseeing the centre’s operations.
While the production facility retains the capacity to produce a substantial quantity of paper, the decreasing market demand has directly impacted its operational efficiency. “Production has become irregular since we do not get consistent orders,” Sonam Tshering said.
A consequence of the reduced demand for the paper was a decrease in the number of employees.
Currently, only two individuals are employed at the centre, a decrease from the previous count of three. Each employee receives a monthly wage of Nu 8,000.
Sonam Tshering said that this wage level is considered manageable by the local workers due to the centre’s proximity to their village, which cuts out daily commuting costs. Local residents also regard the compensation as fair, considering the rural setting and the limited alternative employment opportunities available in the area.
Despite the small number of paid workers, the broader Lhop community continues to play an integral role in the traditional Desho paper production process. They remain actively involved in the collection of essential raw materials, primarily tree bark, which forms the base ingredient for the handmade paper.
“People from Dumtoe and Denchukha come with raw materials when there is a need. The collection depends on the demand I communicate to them,” Sonam Tshering said, highlighting the community-driven aspect of the craft.
The Tarayana Foundation’s direct management of the project has ended, but they still provide occasional support like materials and equipment. The initiative’s daily operations, however, are solely managed by the villagers.
Sonam Tshering recalled a period when the Tarayana Foundation actively promoted their unique paper products, resulting in a significantly stronger market presence. “Back then, after paying the workers, we could still make some profit,” he said.
Currently, one of the major difficulties faced by the paper craft centre is reaching broader markets via online platforms.
“I am not educated, so I cannot do online marketing,” Sonam Tshering said. He also recounted a financial loss exceeding Nu 80,000 due to a fraudulent online transaction, an experience that has instilled a strong hesitancy towards engaging in digital sales channels again. In addition, domestic buyers and retailers have limited awareness of the product.
According to local residents, many potential customers across the country are unaware of the existence of the Jigme village production centre and its handcrafted products.
“If more Bhutanese supported local paper instead of importing, it would help the economy and keep initiatives like this going,” said Chimmi, a local resident.
However, despite the challenges, the villagers continue to operate the traditional paper-making unit. They remain hopeful that improved market access and increased public interest in locally made products will eventually contribute to the revival of the centre’s operations in the coming years.