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MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS
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BAKERIES
The bakeries are of a very recent origin. They were first started to fulfill the needs of European officials in the civil as well as military services under the British rule. However with the passage of time, at present, this occupation has developed considerably because of the changing food habits of the people. Moreover the impact of western culture on Indian life has given an impetus to this occupation. Moreover, modern bakeries have proved to be a profitable business in their present form.
The persons employed in bakeries are generally classified into two categories: (i) those who are engaged in production of bread, biscuits, cake and other bakery products and (ii) those who are engaged in retail trading in foodstuffs like sweetmeat, condiments, cakes, biscuits, etc.
As per the 1961 Census, the first category employs 37 persons of whom 2 are in rural area and 35 in urban area of the district, while the second category employs 327 persons of whom 64 are in rural area and the remaining in urban area.
In Wardha district, there are bakeries in Wardha, Hinganghat, Pulgaon and other towns.
The raw materials required for a bakery consist of maida (barley flour), sugar, soda, hydrogenated oils, ghee, flavouring essences, eggs etc. These are purchased locally and in case of a few establishments from Nagpur. Generally on an average the expenditure on these items ranges between Rs. 80 and Rs. 250 per month for small bakeries and between Rs. 300 and Rs. 450 in case of medium sized bakeries.
The tools and equipment required for a bakery consist of a large wooden table to prepare dough, a bhatti or oven, tin trays, small iron-sheet boxes to keep bread, long iron rods, vessels, moulds, cupboards and baskets etc. The cost of all these items of equipment comes to about Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 2,000.
Bread, butter, cakes, biscuits (salted and sweet), toasts, etc., are the chief products of these bakeries. These products are sold on either wholesale or retail basis. The demand for these products is almost steady throughout the year. The turnover which depends upon the size of the establishment ranges between Rs. 90 and Rs. 250 per month. Most of the bakeries are one man units with the proprietors occasionally taking assistance from their family members. The wage rates differ according to the nature and skill wherever outside labour is employed.
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