Etawah (Uttar Pradesh): Potters in Etawah are left in lurch as the price of the earthen pots has remained constant during the last two years. However, the corona-induced lockdown has escalated the sale of earthen pots but no spike in prices of the pots has added to the woes of the potters.
In an attempt to understand the situation of the potters amid lockdown, ETV Bharat Team interacted with them. According to potters although the sale of the clay pots has gone up but with the prices remaining same for the two years, it is difficult for them to cover the production cost.
"Consumption of cold water reduces immunity, so people have shifted their focus towards earthen pots. The demand for pots have increased during this lockdown and even rich people have started buying it. But the price of pots is constant over the last two years and it has become difficult for us to cover the production cost," said potter Ram Prajapati.
Lockdown effect: Potters left in lurch though demand for pot escalates On the same note, he added, "Due to the soaring temperatures, people in the district prefer earthen pots than refrigerators. The demand of the pots has increased but not its price. People believe that drinking fridge water will increase the risk of transmission of coronavirus."
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While talking about the time he invests in making a pot, Prajapati said, "It takes two days to make a pot. On the first day, we shape the pot as desired using a pottery wheel and then bake it in the kiln the next day. I am hoping that this year we will be able to cover the production cost. Last year, we had suffered huge loss."
"During this lockdown, my family is drinking water from a clay pot as it is good for health. I am also insist my kids to do the same. Drinking water from earthen pots have many health benefits and I have initiated this practice, said Kamal, a customer.
