MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

MATTRESS AND PILLOW MAKING

The establishments engaged in the making of mattresses and pillows are generally found in big towns. Although cotton is the most important commercial crop in the district, the use mattresses and pillows is not very common in rural areas as it is in the urban areas of the district. In the rural areas where they are in use, they either purchase them in big towns or get them prepared by the itinerant ferivalas. In a hip; town mattress and pillow making is carried out as a principal means of livelihood by those who have the desire and capital to make the necessary investment. The establishments found in this category in the district are of medium size. The raw materials required are cotton, cloth of different varieties etc. The itinerant artisans move from house to house and possess only a carding how. In his case capital requirements are very meagre.

The cost of equipment of a big sized establishment varies from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 whereas investment in a small sized establishment amounts to Rs. 900 to Rs. 1,000. The initial investment, required for purchasing carding bow, weights, taraju etc., amounts from Rs, 400 to Rs. 500.

Generally most of the establishments are managed by the owners themselves. Only in a few cases workers from outside are employed. Rent and electric charges constitute the major items of expenditure. The amount spent on these items varies from Rs. 15 to Rs. 35 per month.

The establishments mostly make mattresses, pillows, razais, takkas, lod, etc. The labour charges where outside labour is employed are on piece rate basis. The occupation provides employment throughout the year, though during rainy season the business is not so brisk.

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