MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

MANUFACTURE OF AERATED WATERS

This is a seasonal occupation restricted generally to the summer season. Factories manufacturing aerated waters are of recent origin and they are located in big towns such as Sholapur, Karmala, Barshi, Pandharpur, Malshiras, Mohol, Akkalkot, Sangola, etc. These establishments are generally located near bazar places or near main roads.

Raw materials required for an aerated water factory are sugar, saccharine, colours, scents, milk, salt, ice, saw-dust, essence and preservatives. Essence and preservatives are imported from Pune and Bombay. Other raw materials are available in the local market. The cost of raw materials consumed by the factories in summer season varies from Rs. 125 to Rs. 400 per month.

The production consists of cold drinks like ginger, soda, ice-cream soda, pineapple, raspberry, lassi, orange, etc. In addition to the above, other cold drinks like coca-cola, gold-spot, rim-zim, fanta, sosyo, mangola, etc. are also served to customers.

The initial capital required for this occupation varies between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 25,000 depending upon the size of the establishment. The machinery, appliances and equipment in the shop includes ice-cream machines, soda machines, refrigerators, fans, radio set, dishes, glasses, bottles, furniture, etc.

Most of the factories are located in rented premises, the rent ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 175. Electricity consumption in case of five surveyed shops was found to be between Rs. 50 and Rs. 200 per month. The wage-bill of an average establishment varied between Rs. 250 and Rs. 400 per month.

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