Post News Network
Cuttack, April 17: The horn works industry in cuttack is struggling to survive.
Artisans engaged in the craft, for which the Silver City is proud, are in dire need of government support.
The city, along with Dhenkanal and Paralakhemundi, was considered the hub of horn work industry. Hundreds of families of Ranihaat, Gaudasahi, Thoriasahi, Mallasahi, Telisahi and Sagadiasahi, were engaged in the work and earning their livelihood. The artisans used to get raw material from various parts of the state.
However, shortage of raw material has led to the decline of the industry’s fortunes over the years, according to sources.
Besides, the state government has failed to provide incentives to the artisans engaged in horn craft work. No steps have been taken to ensure the supply of raw material for the industry to survive, sources said.
“Earlier, we could easily collect two quintals of horn from different parts of the state. Now, we have difficulties in collecting horn. Horn traders from neighbouring states are also procuring raw material from Orissa at a high price,” rued Purnachandra Maharana, a horn artisan.
The state government should immediately take steps to revive the horn craft industry, Maharana said.