GANGTOK, 19 May: A fortnight-long training on the locally available natural fibre – the Giant Himalayan Nettle (Girardinia Diversifolia) - was held by the Ecotourism & Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) in collaboration with Mutanchi Lom Al Shezum (MLAS) at Lingdong Gram Panchayat House from the 25 April to 09 May, an ECOSS press release informs.
The training focussed on traditional methods of extraction, processing, spinning and knitting of the unique fibre of this plant which is locally known as Koju Sherong (Lepcha) or Bhangrey Sisnu (Nepali) or Allo (Kulung Rai). The objective of this training was to impart a certain level of skill among the participants to enable them to independently produce quality nettle yarn from locally available plants, the release explains.
This, the two NGOs which collaborated for the training believe, can then be used for making high value organic hand knitted and woven nettle fibre products in village homes generating additional livelihoods and supplementing household incomes.
