Pottery industry urges Punjab govt to take steps towards survival

RECORDER REPORT

SIALKOT: Small businessmen engaged with pottery industry have appealed to the Punjab government to take immediate steps for the survival and to bringing it out of multifarious problems confronted by the pottery industry of Pasrur.

Pasrur Tehsil of Sialkot district was once famous for producing clay made utensils is taking its last breath because many units have been closed due to lack of incentives, government support and un-resolved problems being faced by the industry since long. The tehsil is eminent for producing clay made cooking pots like "handya" (cauldron), which is still being used for cooking in homes, big hotels and restaurants for preparing special and tasty dishes in the country.

Hundred years' old pottery industry of the area had become stagnant due to rapid change in life style, industrial development and lack of proper attention of the provincial government. Muhammad Din and Akbar small manufacturers while expressing their views said that we are working on roadsides just for earning bread and butter. They said under the prevailing circumstances there is a great need of government support for infusing new blood for the revival of this historic industry adding that we are far behind as compared to other industries functioning in and around Sialkot. We have the ability and skill to compete the market if Punjab government provides incentives and land for pottery industry

It was observed during the visit that there is a great need of establishment of "Mini Industrial Estate".  Pasrur and provision of all basic facilities under one roof should be ensured to the local businessmen engaged with various industries including pottery industry.

Besides, special steps should also be taken for tracking the pottery industry on modern and scientific production lines because at present most of  small pottery units are working with the traditional techniques and are functioning on roadsides and producing the cooking utensils and decoration pieces with great skill and dexterity.

The concerned government departments should formulate a special programme for the development of old industries and under the programme soft loan facilities should be given to small businessmen enabling them to modernise their workplaces as well as bringing them out economic constraints.

The timely action of the Punjab government would not only prevent the pottery and other industries functioning in remote rural and backward areas but also help in modernisation of the industries as well as improve the economic conditions of the artisans.

The business community engaged with pottery industry is fully capable to improve the standard and quality of its pottery manufacturing in accordance with the international standard and at present the pottery industry is fulfilling the domestic demands despite serious hurdles and hardships by using traditional techniques.