Nepali Lokta paper is famous the world over for its rich fibres and remarkable longevity. Used for centuries in Nepal for official and legal documents because of its natural insect repelling qualities, Lokta paper is now highly sought afte

r in the global markets. Brightly coloured books, albums, frames, cards and decorations made from Lokta have become one of Nepal’s most popular exports.

Lokta paper is made from the bark of the Lokta plant, a perennial, wild plant that grows in Nepal’s hills and lower mountain ranges at an altitude of between 1,500 and 3,000 metres above sea level. The Lokta bark is harvested each year between September and May. Two or three year old shoots from the plant are cut and dried and the bark is peeled and cooked to make a pulp. The pulp is then washed with water, set in trays and dried to make sheets of paper.

Because Lokta paper is made from plants that grow wild in the forest, it provides good income and employment opportunities for landless and marginalised people. MEDEP has been promoting Lokta paper micro enterprises in Ramechhap, Darchula, Dadeldhura, Myagdi, Sindhupalchowk, Kabhrepalanchowk, Nuwakot and Myagdi districts, building both their entrepreneurship and technical skills, and developing national and international market linkages. MEDEP promotes sustainable harvesting and community forest approach to Lokta production to protect the natural resource and is currently seeking forestry certification for entrepreneurs’ products.

Lokta paper is available in both wholesale and retail quantities from Saugaat Griha, the sales outlet of micro, cottage and small entrepreneurs’ products at Tripureshowar, Kathmandu.

For more details please contact:

National Micro Entrepreneurs Groups Association

Saugaat Griha

Tripureshowar (next to Department of Industry)

Tel: +977 (0) 16215404

Email: nmega.nepal@gmail.com