Once a cornerstone of self-sufficiency in Pema Gatshel, cotton cultivation had nearly vanished under the shadow of imported fibres. Now, after decades of dormancy, local farmers—led by a determined group of women—are weaving the tradition back into life.
In Dechhenling Gewog, a seven-member women’s group has successfully cultivated cotton on about an acre of land. This season marks their first harvest, and the results have been encouraging.
“In the past, our parents practised this cultivation,” said group leader Chimi Lhatshok. “I asked my friends if they were interested in reviving it, and they agreed. With their support, I decided to bring this traditional culture back—and here we are today.”
The revival effort in Dechhenling follows similar initiatives in Chongshing and Dungmin Gewogs, where cotton farming has already begun to regain ground. The growing interest signals a broader return to traditional fibre production in the district.
Harvest of Hope
Although most of the women are new to cotton farming, their enthusiasm and teamwork have paid off. Farmer Choni Zangmo shared that the project began with a simple idea and collective effort.
“She asked us if we were interested, and we said yes,” she said. “She took the lead, and we joined in. Today, we’re proud that our efforts have been successful. We even managed to find some of the old equipment used for processing.”
The women plan to process the cotton into yarn and supply it to Thimphu. However, turning the fluffy bolls into usable fibre remains a labour-intensive process. Traditional tools—long abandoned after the decline of cotton cultivation—had to be tracked down and restored.
Blending Tradition with Technology
For now, the women perform ginning and carding manually. But with support from the Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property, the group expects to receive a ginning machine soon.
“Using the traditional method is difficult,” said Lhatshok. “I’ve requested the ministry to provide us with a machine. We’ve been told it will reach us by next month, and I’m very excited about that.”
Once equipped, the group hopes to boost production and expand their operations. Their long-term goal is to move beyond raw yarn and create finished cotton products—adding more value and income to their community.
Empowering Women, Reviving Culture
Beyond economic potential, the cotton revival in Dechhenling is breathing new life into a piece of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. What began as a small initiative is now inspiring other farmers to explore traditional livelihoods rooted in sustainability.
As Lhatshok and her team continue their work, they welcome new members who share their vision. For these women, the cotton fields are more than just farmland—they are a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring value of tradition.
