Community Empowerment

Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit

The Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit is a community-based micro-enterprise, established in 2003 with support from SF, involving over fifty local families who contributed as little as Rs 500 and in-kind support like materials and labor.

Role
Project Initiation, Sustainability and Local Development
Funded By:
Equity participation by SF and the local community
Start Date:
Jan 2, 2014
Area Served:
Polok, Borong, Chitray, Phamtam, Sada in Ravangla sub-division, South Sikkim.

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.


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