Neten Dorji

Samdrupcholing—To reduce the use of plastic mugs, cups, and plates, Pemathang Gewog in Samdrupjongkhar is focusing on reviving the production of eco-friendly alternatives made from areca nut leaves.

The initiative aims to rejuvenate the once-thriving industry.

By restarting the production of plates and spoons from areca nut leaves, the gewog hopes to bolster the local economy, while promoting environmentally conscious products.

The gewog purchased the machine in 2017 through the Gewog Development Grant (GDG) and the dzongkhag budget, which cost about Nu 600,000.

Pemathang Gup, Pema Lekso, said the gewog proposed a budget to repair the machines and provided them to the youth groups.

“The plan is to empower the youth by providing them with machines, enabling them to operate independently. They will retain 90 percent of their revenue to sustain their group, while contributing 10 percent to the government,” said the gup.

Residents said that a group of women used to run it, but after the machine broke down, they could not continue the work.

A group coordinator, Pema Choden, said that with the group members trained on how to operate the machine by the Samdrupjongkhar Initiative, the members were able to operate the machine.

After the machine broke down, villagers could not produce items like plates, mug, and spoons from areca nut leaves

“We ran the business successfully for a few years, but after the machine broke down, we couldn’t keep it going,” she said. “On top of that, we have had to struggle with the timing for the business because we are tied up with fieldwork.”

The machine was handed over to the women’s group, and they also used the funds generated through the sale of the products

The setback not only disrupted the supply chain but also caused the gewog’s mission to replace plastics during festivals and reduce environmental pollution to fail.

A businessman said: “When the group produces areca nut leaf plates, spoons, and cups, it helps reduce the use of plastic cups … Reintroducing these products made from areca nut leaves would benefit the local economy as well as the environment by helping to keep it clean.”

He said that it was time to stop using it and suggested introducing products made from areca nut leaves instead.

Most people in Pemathang Gewog grow areca nuts.

Pemathang Chiwog Tshogpa Sangay Tenzin, said that the project would benefit the people and also replace plastic plates and mugs in the gewog, as people grow areca nuts.

“There is a strong market for the products, especially with the presence of SAMJONG outlets. Previously, the lack of market opportunities was a major challenge,” he added.

The renewed focus on areca nut leaf products comes at a crucial time when there is a global push for reducing plastic waste.

These biodegradable products are seen as a viable solution to the environmental issues posed by single-use plastics.

Local farmers and artisans are optimistic about the future.

“We are excited to restart production,” said a youth, Damudar Regmi. “It would support many families in our  community, and we are interested  in combating plastic usage.”

The initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities, especially for women and youth, and bolster the local economy.

Another entrepreneur, Yejay Norbu, said that they buy areca nut leaf products from Langchenphu Gewog.

“If Pemathang begins producing areca nut leaf products, it will not only reduce transportation costs for us and our customers, but also create local jobs, encouraging our youth to stay and contribute to the community,” Yejay Norbu said.