Community Empowerment Copy

Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit

Paper has traditionally been made in Sikkim from the bark of the Argali (edgeworthia gardneri) plant. The requirements of the monastery for scriptures and the administration for land records & other important documents, were met by this handmade paper.

Borong – Polok Handmade Paper Unit is a community based micro enterprise promoted by over fifty families of the Borong-Polok area with support from SF. Established in 2003; the local communities participated in the equity with as little as Rs 500, some of it in kind like building materials, labour etc. for the factory shed. The unit is currently managed by the local people and has created 10 jobs for local women besides providing the local community with an alternative cash crop.

Start Date:

Jan 2, 2014

End Date:

Jul 2, 2019

Area Served:

Polok, Borong, Chitray, Phamtam, Sada in Ravangla sub-division, South Sikkim.

Funded By:

Equity participation by SF and the local community

Role of SF:

Project Initiation, Sustainability and Local Development

Overview

The Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit is a community-based initiative in South Sikkim, India, promoted by the Sikkim Development Foundation (SF). It aims to produce handmade paper from the Argali (Edgeworthia Gardneri) plant, a fast-growing shrub found abundantly in the region. The unit focuses on sustainable paper production, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation.

Background & Need

Historically, handmade paper from Argali was used for monastic scriptures and government records in Sikkim. Despite an increasing demand for high-quality, eco-friendly handmade paper in India and internationally, few commercial units existed in Sikkim. The project was developed to:

Create rural employment and alternative income sources.
Promote eco-friendly paper production using sustainable harvesting methods.
Encourage local entrepreneurship through handmade product units.

Key Activities & Implementation

✅ Community Participation & Funding

More than 50 local households participated as equity holders.
SF initially held shares to facilitate the launch before disinvesting over time.

✅ Paper Manufacturing Process

Argali bark is harvested sustainably, cleaned, sun-dried, and processed into pulp.
Traditional handmade paper techniques are used, including natural drying and calendaring for a smooth finish.

✅ Handmade Paper Products

Notebooks, bags, envelopes, gift wrapping sheets, lamp shades, and greeting cards.
Customizable products available in different colors and textures.

Impact & Benefits

Economic Empowerment

Employment generation in paper production and handmade product crafting.
Increased income for local farmers who supply Argali bark.

Environmental Conservation

The bark is harvested without damaging the plant, allowing natural regeneration.
Tree-free and chlorine-free paper production supports sustainable practices.

Tourism & Cultural Preservation

The unit attracts eco-tourists, researchers, and students interested in sustainable crafts.
Preserves traditional Sikkimese paper-making techniques from vanishing.

Challenges & Solutions

Solution Implemented: Lack of financial support. Community-based funding & government subsidies. Limited awareness of handmade paper. Marketed through handicraft emporiums, government use, and tourism. Need for skill development. Training programs for villagers and youth

Future Scope & Recommendations

✅ Expand government and private partnerships for wider market access.
✅ Establish eco-tourism initiatives around the unit for added revenue.
✅ Strengthen global exports of handmade Argali paper products.
✅ Improve local governance and policies for sustainable paper-making.

The Role of Sikkim Development Foundation (SF)

The Sikkim Development Foundation (SF) played a pivotal role in conceptualizing, funding, and implementing the Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit. SF’s efforts were focused on:

🔹 Initiating & Funding the Project:

SF facilitated the setup by holding initial equity to avoid delays in securing bank loans.
Once the unit was operational, SF disinvested its shareholding to transfer full ownership to the community.

🔹 Empowering the Local Community:

Encouraged over 50 households to become equity holders and co-owners.
Provided training and capacity-building programs to develop paper-making skills.
Helped establish a self-sustaining revenue model for villagers through paper production.

🔹 Market Development & Awareness:

Promoted handmade paper products locally and internationally.
Helped secure government contracts for official stationery and record-keeping.
Linked the unit with handicraft emporiums, NGOs, and eco-tourism initiatives.

🔹 Ensuring Environmental Sustainability:

Encouraged silvicultural practices (sustainable plant harvesting).
Promoted tree-free and chlorine-free paper production, reducing deforestation.

Objectives & Goals

🔹 Economic Self-Sufficiency:

Generating employment opportunities in rural areas.
Enabling local farmers and artisans to benefit from eco-friendly business models.

🔹 Sustainable Resource Management:

Encouraging responsible harvesting of Argali without harming the plant.
Establishing a zero-waste production model.

🔹 Community-Led Entrepreneurship:

Supporting the formation of ancillary handmade product units (bags, notebooks, gift wrapping, etc.).
Promoting NGOs, CBOs, and SHGs (Self-Help Groups) to scale production.

🔹 Cultural & Heritage Conservation:

Preserving traditional Sikkimese paper-making techniques used in monasteries.
Creating a hub for eco-tourism and cultural learning.

Funders & Financial Support

The unit was partially funded through a mix of community investments, SF contributions, and government subsidies:

🔹Equity Contributions:

Over 50 local households invested as equity holders.
SF provided initial investment and financial backing to ensure project viability.

🔹Government Support:

Industries Department, Government of Sikkim (GOS) provided a subsidy of ₹1,00,698 (2007).
Government partnerships helped secure institutional buyers for handmade paper products.

🔹Sales Revenue:

Sales proceeds (2007): ₹2,45,000
Sales proceeds (2008): ₹2,28,000

Key Dates & Milestones

Project Initiation: Mid-2000s (Exact date not specified, but SF initiated the project before 2007).
Government Subsidy Received: 2007
First Recorded Sales Revenue: March 31, 2007 (₹2,45,000)
Second Recorded Sales Revenue: March 31, 2008 (₹2,28,000)
SF's Disinvestment Phase: After ensuring sustainability, SF planned to withdraw from equity ownership.