Chhatrapur: Kewda flower produced in Ganjam district has made a name across the country for its superior quality since the oil prepared from them is most sought after for its multiple utility.
However, most of the processing units of kewda flowers, locally called ‘bhati’, in the district are on the verge of closure due to a variety of reasons, according to a report.
Thousands of people who used to eke out a living from the operation of these units now struggle to make both ends meet, it was learnt.
While the kewda collected from other districts of Orissa and other parts of the country are used as flowers, the ones produced in Ganjam are in much demand for their multiple utility. The kewda flowers of Ganjam are essential for preparation of attar (a fragrant perfume mostly used in Arab and Muslim countries), oil for gutkha and pan masala and some ayurvedic medicines. The oil is also used in preparation of biryani and rasagola, it was learnt.
But the industry is dying due to a host of reasons including restrictions on the sale of gutkha, poor market and introduction of GST among others, pointed out owners of some processing units.
According to reports, kewda plants grow better in areas like Chhatrapur, Chikiti and Rangeilunda which are close to the coast. Earlier, the plants used to grow naturally but in due course people started cultivating it for its profitability.
However, the cultivation suffered a massive damage during cyclone Phailin in 2013. After this, the units are getting closed one after another.
The district had 250 bhatis having 10 workers in each, but now the number of units has come down to less than 150. There were 70 such units in Chhatrapur block but 20 of them have been closed. Poor production of kewda flowers these days is blamed largely on the miserable condition of the industry. On the other hand, the flower pluckers have also lost interest due to low pricing of the flowers.
While the owner of a ‘bhati’ used to pay up to Rs 12 for each flower, it has reduced to Rs 7 now, said Rabindra Behera, a flower collector.
A kewda tree grows up to 18 feet while the flowers are collected thrice a year. About 60 per cent of flowers are collected during July-September and 30 per cent in May-June. The balance is collected during October-November.
As per the processing procedure, the flowers and water is boiled for three to four hours in a copper container and the steam is transferred to another container which is later used for preparing oil. The ‘bhati’ owners sell the oil for Rs 400 a kilo. The rate goes up to Rs 1,000 depending on the quality of the oil.
On the other hand, the oil, after the ban on gutkha sale, is being transported to cities like Delhi, Kanauj and Kanpur for preparation of pan masala. However, many ‘bhati’ owners have leased out their units to others after incurring losses. People from Kanauj are seen managing the units in Ganjam these days.
Sanjay Kumar Awasthi, a resident of Kanauj, said the unit receives flowers from Hariapalli, Kuanpalli and Narayanpur. Poor production and implementation of GST have affected the business, he admitted. PNN