Allo fiber comes from a species of the Giant Stinging Nettle, Girdardinia diversifolia, a perennial plant that grows much taller than humans in partially shaded areas and is harvested near the end of the monsoon. Bishnu Maya Rai, a member of the Allo Cloth Production Club describes the early stages of allo cloth production: "We use our teeth to separate the bark from the stalk. We cook the allo fibers for several hours in ash to soften the fibers then mix them with white clay to lighten the color. When we walk to the fields, carry firewood or watch our livestock, we keep our hands busy spinning the allo fiber into thread."

As the Giant Nettle is harvested, it expands its tough erosion controlling root system. Promising economic security, it ensures the preservation of the high forests under which it grows. The Allo Cloth Production Club is a cooperative cottage industry providing employment opportunities to the women of the Makalu-Barun while fostering preservation of its precious biodiversity.

The Allo Cloth Production Club at Sisuwatar has been supported by the MBCP since 1990. Today over 100 women at eight clubs are currently engaged in allo production. The sales of allo products have increased from 30% to 50% during the past two years giving an average 4% increase in household income for a five-person family with one club member working.