A Nepali handmade paper industry in Gorkha, which has been operating for nearly two decades, is facing a shortage of raw materials. The Gorkha Manakamana Nepali Handmade Paper Industry, located in Nayabasti, Gorkha Municipality-6, is struggling to meet production demands due to insufficient supplies, according to its operator, Pasang Nima Sherpa.

Sherpa stated that the industry is unable to produce as per market demand because raw materials must be sourced from forests in the Himalayan region. "Finding people to collect these materials year-round is challenging," said Sherpa. The industry relies on raw materials from forests in Dharche, Chumanubri, and Ajirkot rural municipalities in northern Gorkha.

 “Raw materials are available in plenty in the forests for three months starting mid-February," Sherpa explained. "However, it remains difficult to find workers willing to collect and transport them." Sherpa added that poor road infrastructure further complicates the transportation of collected materials to the industry.

Despite the raw material shortage, Sherpa emphasized that there is no difficulty in selling the paper. "Whatever we produce sells easily in the market," said Sherpa. "The real challenge is sourcing enough raw materials."

The industry currently purchases raw materials at Rs 15,000 per quintal. "Those involved in collecting the materials earn well," Sherpa noted. "However, the process is physically demanding, and not everyone is willing to do it."

According to Sherpa, one quintal of raw material yields around 2,000 sheets of handmade paper in sizes ranging from 20 to 30 inches. The 40-gram paper produced by the industry is also being exported abroad. -- RSS