But the potters will prove you wrong. In fact, 60 out of 80 families in the village are making a brisk business.
Take for example, the family of Rama Kumbara, one among those families which still have passion for pottery. Nearly 35 years ago, Rama Kumbara had to learn pottery for livelihood. Today, he is leading a happy life in the age-old profession.
Rama Kumbara purchases clay from Didupe near Ujire. “After crushing the clay well, it should be dried in sunlight. Once the pot gets its shape, it should be baked in fire at least for 10 hours,” he says and adds that the period between January and December is best suited for pottery.
If you think that there are less or no takers for clay pots, you are wrong as there is a good demand for clay pots from various quarters. However, the clay ovens and clay filters are done only on request.
Rama Kumbara (or any other potter in the village) gets Rs 13 for each clay pot. However, the ‘brokers’ or middle-men sell it for higher price after keeping their margin. These pots are sold at Ujire, Mangalore, Mulki, Madikeri, Sulya and also at Kasaragod in Kerala.
It is profitable!
Rama Kumbara says he has never faced any major problem in his profession. ‘“Ganesaha Chathurthi” and “Sri Krishna Janmastami” are high time to make good business as the sale during that period is highest in any given year. “During Astami, clay products get a good price, especially in and around Mangalore,” he said and added: “We sell around 1,000 pots per year and we get a profit of around Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 per year.”
Crossroads
Though clay pots are very good for healthy food and many other positive aspects about clay pots, the art is in cross roads, as not many youngsters are ready to take up the profession.
“Nowadays not many are interested in pottery. I will continue till my health permits, may be for 2 or 3 more years... What next?” Rama Kumbara does not have an answer. Perhaps the only alternative is to give modern touch to age told profession.
Unless and untill the authorities concerned take some interest in saving the age-old art / profession, pottery may be a thing of the past.
No reply
Rama Kumbara’s family is a middle class family with 5 members. His son works as an auto driver. Rama Kumbara applied for some financial help from the government under ‘Sandhya Suraksha Yojana’ (2008-09) of state government, which is meant for senior citizens (above 65 years). But he received a negative reply from the officials without proper explanation. He feels it would help him after he retires from his profession.