Then, the bark of the stem gets removed and cleaned so that the dark spots get washed away. However, the technique has been highly refined to suit present-day technology and demands.įirstly, the process starts with the cutting of the stem of the Lokta plant. The process has remained the same for centuries. Since it is a traditional process, it does not require huge machinery or workforce. The Lokta paper making process is quite simple.
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How to Make Lokta Paper? – Lokta Paper Making Process However, the finished product is only available in Kathmandu or Janakpur. While the production of these papers was only limited to Baglung District in the past, it is now mass-produced in more than 22 districts of Nepal. Similarly, handmade Lokta paper also contains another famous agro product of Sapindus (Soap Nuts). Hence, the handmade paper gained prominence once again and is growing at 15% per year. This process led to the growth and popularity of these sheets. This step helped in reviving the indigenous paper making industry.įurthermore, entrepreneurs and environmental activists developed international trading channels in the early 1990s.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also helped them in this project. Moreover, the Agricultural Development Bank of Nepal (ADBN) and the Small Farmer Development Program (SFDP) introduced the Community Development and Health Project (CDHP) project in the 1980s. It also helped with the growth of other agro-based industries. The opening of national parks and wildlife reserves provided raw materials for the mass production of these papers. The active conservation program in the 1970s rejuvenated the Lokta craft paper production on a large scale basis. In the 1970s, the tourism industry boomed in the country. Only some traditional families in Baglung and Parbat District continued the production of these papers. Furthermore, the Indian paper in the 1960s replaced the Nepalese handmade paper industry. However, the introduction of papercraft imports from Tibet in the early twentieth century declined the use of these papers. This Lichchhavi script text dates around more than 1,000 years. Karanya Buha Sutra (sacred Buddhist text) is the earliest surviving Lokta paper in Nepal present in Nepal’s National Archives.
Also known as Baruwa or Kaagte Paat, these Lokta shrubs are small and woody and reach the maximum height of 7 feet. Moreover, this incredible plant grows in moist regions within the altitude of 6500 feet to 9500 feet above sea level. You can find evergreen Lokta shrubs in open clusters or colonies in the high elevation Himalayan forests. Hence, cutting off the stem in the harvesting season is essential to use it as a raw material. However, if the stem of the Lokta does not get removed after reaching maturity, the plant starts to dry and decay. October is the start of the Lokta collection season. The regeneration factor makes the plant a great raw material source with a continuous supply. However, no root gets damaged during the process. Lokta plant gets harvested like sugarcane by cutting its stem about 30 cm above the ground. Hence, it has no adverse effect on forest ecology. Lokta is an ecological wonder as it regenerates naturally and reaches maturity within 4 to 5 years after the first cutting. Named as “Daphne Bhoula” or “Daphne Papyracea” in scientific nomenclature, Lokta is an indigenous plant in Nepal.
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