Palakkad: Being their traditional family occupation, the potter families of Pallassana Kanayannur in Palakkad district of Kerala have been making clay pots for the past many generations. They consider their family occupation as a matter of pride, more than a means of livelihood.
However, the severe crisis in the pottery making sector, of late, has been badly affecting the potter families here.
The lack of mechanical facilities in the process of pot making and the poor demand for clay pots has left the sector in deep crisis. The absence of any modern mechanised facility to aid in the making process is also a hurdle in the much laborious pottery making procedure.
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Of the 13 families who are into the traditional pottery making in Pallassana now, most of the potters are either aged or nearing old age. As they find it very difficult to mix the raw clay owing to their age limitations, the potters at Pallassana seek the Government to help them at least to buy the clay mixing machines. There are also allegations that the Government does not consider the plight of the very weak pottery sector or take any initiative to support the potters.
With COVID hitting the sales during Onam season as well, the potters here are left in the lurch.
