Rayagada: Even as electrically operated grinders have long replaced old-fashioned flour making gears like millstones and grinding stones, a family from Andhra Pradesh here still relies on these products to eke out a living.
“We have learnt the craft from our ancestors and been in this profession for last two decades. It is almost impossible to change trade at this stage even though it is becoming increasingly difficult to survive on the meager amount earned from this profession,” Anwar Khan said.
Anwar, a native of Bodam village under Bapda block of Viziangaram district in Andhra Pradesh, embraced the profession in 1986. He along with his brother Nagur Khan, father P Sultan and mother started collecting stones from hills which they shape into millstones and grinding stones.
Currently, they have put up a shed along Rayagada-Berhampur main road near the local railway station. The family has to work round the clock to produce the traditional grinding stuff using hammers and other cutting tools.
Though they realise that modern home appliances have almost made traditional crushing equipment out-of-date, some people still look for it which has become a key to their survival at the moment.
Earlier, the family members used to collect stones from hills. But at present it has become a daunting task to find suitable stones from the hills. This year, they had to buy stones and bring them from Vizianagaram to Rayagada hiring a truck. This is definitely going to affect their earning, Anwar said.
The Khans put up makeshift sheds at road sides across the year in towns like Paralakhemundi, Gunupur, Koraput, Jeypore, Muniguda, Ambadola and Therubali to sell their products.
While a set of grinding stones and pestle stones is sold at something between Rs250 to Rs300, a millstone costs around Rs250. However, their profit margin has been on the decline since most customers these days bargain a lot.
According to Anwar it is very difficult to manage a family of four with just Rs1, 500 which they make a month.
The family has no option but to stick to the profession since they don’t possess expertise in other skills, Anwar said. PNN
