After years of working without a proper facility, a cotton farmers’ group in Pema Gatshel is celebrating the opening of a new processing centre—an achievement made possible through the support of the Royal Textile Academy. The modern facility marks the end of a long struggle that began when the group’s makeshift hut was destroyed, leaving members without a suitable space to process cotton.
For more than two years, the 19-member group had been forced to work in challenging conditions. Without a functioning unit, they relied on manual processing at home—a slow and exhausting process. The old hut, built from the pooled savings of just five members, could only accommodate a few people at a time. During carding, dust would fill the cramped space, forcing many to work outdoors under the scorching sun. Over time, interest in the craft began to fade, and unsold cotton started piling up due to production delays.
Now, with the Nu 1.8 million facility funded by the Royal Textile Academy—with technical assistance from district and gewog administrations—members are optimistic about the future. “We are happy because we now have a new centre with support from the Royal Textile Academy. We will begin our work now and promise to meet customer demands,” said Tashi Choden, the group’s chairperson.
For members like Ugyen Seldon, the new centre represents more than convenience—it’s a chance to restore pride in their work. “Many members are showing interest to start the processing works. It will be convenient,” she said.
The Royal Textile Academy, a civil society organisation under the patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, has been a key player in preserving Bhutan’s textile heritage. With this latest initiative, the group can focus on producing higher-quality yarn, rekindling enthusiasm among members, and ensuring that the tradition of cotton weaving remains vibrant for generations to come.
