Koraput, Nov 11: The potter community has demanded to include terracotta products under Small & Medium Enterprises.
Terracotta products are on demand during many festivals and cultural ceremonies. So the state government should declare it as cottage industry and provide subsidy for it, said potters.
Jhadiguda and Kumbharalinka villages under Koraput block in the district are known as potters’ village. Around 90 percent families of the area belong to the potter community. They are making different products from clay for generations despite all odds.
We import soil from other areas to make terracotta products. Several temple trusts take our products coming to village and besides, potters sell their products in Koraput market, said Padmini Kumbhar.
The potters are expert in making several unique designs and products. They can make it a profitable business if government provides subsidy, she added.
The state government is helping women entrepreneurship through Self-Help Groups. If these villagers get financial aid from government, the trade will develop into a small industry by proper marketing which will help the community financially and socially, said Kartika Kumbhar.
Despite all electrical decorative lights, pot-made diya has a special demand during Diwali. It only needs proper marketting, he added.
