Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (MS)

Puttur, Aug 9: Pottery, which is one of the ancient cottage industries, is on the verge of extinction. The families which used to do this work from generations are turning to other alternatives. The potters’ cooperative society is trying to modernise the cottage industry.

A pottery production unit in Puttur is adopting modern techniques. Even then the low interest of the youth of Dakshina Kannada has given a big blow to the industry.

The main issues that are affecting the pottery are the shortage of mud and firewood. In addition the invasion of plastic pots has pushed traditional mud pottery to the brink of closing down forever.

The potters’ cooperative society which was established in 1950 is trying to revive the dying industry. It has provided employment to traditional potters in its production unit at Kaudichari in Puttur. Most of the employees are women.

Potters, who used to manufacture only household utensils, are involved in handicrafts now. In addition, society is mulling the use of modern technology. It is already using machines to prepare mud for moulding as well as a pot making machine. But the only worry is that only the elder generation is showing interest in modern pottery, while the youth are attracted to jobs in other fields where the earning is more.

All the credit of keeping pottery still alive in Dakshina Kannada should go to the potters’ cooperative society of Puttur. Government should provide the mud and wood needed for pottery. Only then, this cottage industry, which has been running since ages, will survive.