MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

MANUFACTURE OF AERATED WATERS

Manufacture of aerated waters is a seasonal occupation. It is brisk during the summer season. In Yeotmal district a survey of six units in the category was conducted.

As per 1961 Census 43 persons were engaged in the manufacture of beverages. Soda fountains, soda bottles, glasses, soda making machines, gas cylinders, ice-boxes, etc., form the main tools and equipment required for the occupation. The cost of all the tools and equipment was put at about of Rs. 6,000. Many of these units now have an ice-cream preparing machine also.

The raw material comprised milk, sugar, salt, ice, colours, essences, preservatives, fresh limes, saw dust, etc. Most of the raw materials were purchased in local markets. The normal expenditure of a big unit on raw materials was about Rs. 100 per month which increased to about Rs. 600 during the brisk season.

The big units provided employment to about six persons, while medium and small units provided employment to about three and one person, respectively. In all the units they were paid about Rs. 50 per month. The number of salaried employees increased during the brisk season.

The gross daily income of a big unit exceeded Rs. 50 during the season which slackened during the off season. The small units were generally closed during the slack season and worked seasonally. Many of the proprietors worked the units as a subsidiary occupation.

Most of the establishments were located in rented premises, the rent varying between Rs. 25 and Rs. 35. Those units situated in the busy localities, such as, near the bus stand or bazar had a large number of clientele. Many of these units supplied these products to hotels and restaurants which placed orders with them.

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