SOLUKHUMBU: Nepali indigenous paper industries in this mountainous district are gradually closing down in lack of a conducive atmosphere.
Of total of 20 such industries in the district only four are now in operation as revealed by that data maintained by the Cottage and Small Industries Development Committee.
Dudhkoshi Paper Industry in Jubhing of Khumbu Pasang Lamu rural municipality-1 is the latest of the industry to be closed. Lack of manpower is leading to the closure of such industries, according to Prem Thapa Magar, its proprietor. At present the people who invested in the traditional industry with the high hope of generating both income and employment for the locals are now struggling to merely sustain their business.
Saraswoti Nepal Paper Industry at Mahakulung rural municipality is also on the verge of closure. “Tedious government policy and rules are also blamed for the discouraging atmosphere for paper industries,” said proprietor Uttam Kumar Rai. He insisted that the government should bring a flexible policy and other measures to promote paper industries. Good profit is expected if such industries are provided appropriate atmosphere to operate to their full potentiality and efficiently.
Mangal Sing Tamang, who owns the MD Paper Industry based in Mapya Dudhkoshi rural municipality shares similar experiences. He has no sufficient human resources to collect Lokta (raw materials extracted from Argeli plant for making the Nepali paper) from the jungle.
Alpine zone in the district has much production of raw materials for the Nepali paper. Argeli plants are abundant in the community as well as private forests. However, its proper utilization is marred by various types of challenges. Lokta can be used for making doko traditional baskets and Namlo, a kind of thick rope necessary to carry or transport loads in the areas without road facility. However, lack of skilled human resources, state’s clear policy and less investment stand as the barriers for their production and promotion.
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