MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

MATTRESS AND PILLOW MAKING

The occupation of mattress and pillow making is old in the district. The production of cotton as the principal commercial crop of the district has encouraged its development. Formerly, the use of mattress and pillow was mainly confined to towns but now the conditions have changed. They are purchased either in big towns or got prepared from the ferivalas. In towns it is the principal means of livelihood of many persons, generally called pinjaris.

All the shops in the district are medium size establishments. A well-to-do shop has a spinning machine, a big weighing machine 'taraju'. weights and big needles as its equipment. The raw materials required consist of cotton, cloth etc., of different shades and varieties. The ferivalas who move from house to house possess only the carding bow. The amount of capital investment of a medium sized establishment varies from Rs. 1,000 to 4,000. Most of the establishments are managed by the owners themselves with the help of their family members. The major items of expenditure are rent and electricity charges wherever power machines are used. The amount spent on these items varies from Rs. 30 to Rs. 50 per month. The earnings of the establishments vary between Rs. 150 and Rs. 300 per month.

The products consist of mattresses, pillows, razais etc. The workers are paid on piece rate basis and the occupation keeps them busy throughout the year.

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