By Nepal Youth Foundation | Project Leader
Duna-Tapari, disposable plates and bowls handcrafted from sal and malu leaves, have long been part of Nepali culture and are commonly used during religious, cultural, and community events. In recent years, demand for these products has expanded as supermarkets and urban markets increasingly sell them as an environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to plastic and other disposable products. Recognizing this growing opportunity, Nepal Youth Foundation introduced machine-based Duna-Tapari production and business training to help rural women transform traditional knowledge and locally available natural resources into a sustainable source of income.
In April 2026, NYF provided a 10-day training for 15 women from a Community Forest Users’ Group in Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality. The participants learned to operate modern machines to produce leaf plates and bowls efficiently and at a commercial scale. An experienced entrepreneur also provided guidance on production and marketing, and NYF supplied the group with a machine following the training.
The 15 graduates have since organized themselves into three groups of five, collecting leaves from nearby community forests and sharing the machine according to an agreed schedule. Within just 50 days of completing the training, each group earned approximately NPR 35,000 to 40,000 through the enterprise.
This initiative supports far more than income generation. The women report that it has significantly increased their confidence and financial independence. For many, it is the first time they have been able to spend money on personal and household needs without depending on their husbands or other family members. By combining practical skills, entrepreneurship training, appropriate technology, and locally available resources, the program gives rural women a greater sense of dignity, empowerment, and control over their lives while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities within their own communities.
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