The humble pineapple, long a staple of local markets and a cornerstone of farmers’ livelihoods, is now set to inspire a revolution in sustainable industry. Traditionally cultivated for its juicy fruit, the sprawling orchards of Pema Gatshel now face an exciting new prospect: transforming discarded pineapple leaves into a valuable textile fibre.
In the heart of Durungri village, affectionately known as “Shompar ga Duung” or “Pineapple Village,” the region’s farmers harvest the fruit twice a year, ensuring a robust supply that has, until now, focused solely on edible produce. However, a creative twist on this age-old practice is emerging from an unlikely source—a 27-year-old graduate determined to rewrite the rules of local agriculture.
Tashi Wangchuk, who completed his studies in 2022, decided to return home and support his family’s farming business. It was during his routine work, while using a grass cutter to clear the underbrush, that Tashi’s innovation took root. Noticing that pineapple leaves frequently caught on the machinery—sometimes even resulting in minor injuries—he began to question the fate of the vast amounts of foliage that were routinely discarded and burned.
“It was a simple moment of misfortune that sparked a much larger idea,” Tashi recalls. “I injured my hand pulling a stubborn leaf, and while recovering that night, I turned to the internet. That’s when I discovered that these so-called waste leaves could be repurposed as raw material for textiles.”
Intrigued by the revelation from a website he found called Ananas Anam, Tashi embarked on a year-long journey of research and experimentation. Without formal backing at first, he refined manual techniques for fibre extraction from the pineapple leaves. The process, though rudimentary at the outset, involves rinsing the extracted fibre in water, drying it for a day, and then employing carding and spinning methods to produce textile yarns—a precursor to fabric goods like shirts and bags.
The potential of this innovation lies not only in reducing agricultural waste but also in opening new economic avenues for the region. Nearly 100 acres of pineapple orchards in Pema Gatshel offer a wealth of raw material, which could bolster local industry and contribute to a more sustainable cycle of production.
Recently, Tashi’s persistence and innovation have begun to garner institutional support. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment has pledged to supply a decorticator machine, an essential piece of equipment that will streamline the extraction process and transform his manual experiments into a scalable operation.
Tashi’s venture signals a significant shift in how traditional agricultural practices can merge with modern sustainable initiatives. By harnessing the untapped potential of pineapple leaves, this innovative project not only promises to reduce environmental waste but also aims to diversify and enhance the economic prospects of local communities.
As Pema Gatshel’s fields continue to yield bountiful harvests, Tashi Wangchuk’s pioneering spirit reminds us that sometimes, the path to progress lies in reimagining the everyday – turning what was once discarded into a source of endless possibility.
