MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

FLOUR MILLS

Flour milling as an occupation is of recent origin in the district. The gradual introduction and development of this occupation has removed the traditional grinding wheels not only from the urban but also from the rural landscape. We now find in every town, in big villages and small ones a flour mill with a large clientele. In the villages the establishment generally works on oil engines excepting a few cases whereas in towns they work on electric motors. Grinding grains, chillis, turmeric, pulses, etc., keeps the worker busy throughout the year. The establishments are found to be mostly located in residential areas.

The equipment of a flour mill consists of electric motor, oil engine, grinders, balances and other minor tools. It costs between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 6,000. Besides, flour mill requires a number of small tools and accessories for carrying out odd and sundry repairs such as wrenches, hammers, files, jacks, starter, bell, lubricant, etc. The repairing charges or sharpening the grinding wheels etc., per year come to between Rs. 200 and Rs. 300.

Almost all the establishments are located in rented premises, the rent of which varies from Rs. 22 to Rs. 175 per month. The charges for power consumption depend mainly upon the size of the establishment and the turnover of business. Many of these establishments are managed by the proprietors with the help of salaried assistants who are paid about Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per month. The average income of these establishments varies between Rs. 350 and Rs. 500 per month in case of medium establishments and Rs. 250 to Rs. 280 per month in case of small establishments.

The business of the establishments is brisk during the months of March, April and May which is a marriage season, as also during festivals such as divali, ganapati, shimga and pola.

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