Udumalai near Tirupur, known for lime production, faces challenges due to various factors, leading to a decline in the industry.
Tirupur: The village of Alampalayam near Udumalai in the Tirupur district, renowned for its lime production, is experiencing a decline in its traditional industry.
For over a century, this area has been known for producing lime in a conventional manner. However, due to advancements in civilization, rising raw material costs, labor shortages, and decreased usage, the lime production industry is on the brink of extinction.
With Pongal approaching, only a few families are still engaged in lime production.
Lime producer Tendapani expressed concerns about the fading tradition. The production of lime requires raw materials like firewood, coconut husks, and creek stones. Previously, creek stones were easily sourced from areas within the Coimbatore district, but increasing costs have made it challenging to sustain production.
The traditionally brown creek stones turn white and transform into lime stones when heated and soaked in water, producing calcium-rich lime. This lime, once a thriving commodity, is now produced in only three furnaces in the area. Its applications range from whitewashing houses to providing calcium for poultry, fish farming, and cattle.
Due to the steep rise in raw material prices in recent years, the industry has become unprofitable, leading many families to seek alternative employment. The current situation poses a threat to the complete disappearance of this age-old industry. Hence, Tendapani urges the government to provide financial support and incentives to revive and sustain this traditional industry, preserving jobs and heritage.
For over a century, this area has been known for producing lime in a conventional manner. However, due to advancements in civilization, rising raw material costs, labor shortages, and decreased usage, the lime production industry is on the brink of extinction.
With Pongal approaching, only a few families are still engaged in lime production.
Lime producer Tendapani expressed concerns about the fading tradition. The production of lime requires raw materials like firewood, coconut husks, and creek stones. Previously, creek stones were easily sourced from areas within the Coimbatore district, but increasing costs have made it challenging to sustain production.
The traditionally brown creek stones turn white and transform into lime stones when heated and soaked in water, producing calcium-rich lime. This lime, once a thriving commodity, is now produced in only three furnaces in the area. Its applications range from whitewashing houses to providing calcium for poultry, fish farming, and cattle.
Due to the steep rise in raw material prices in recent years, the industry has become unprofitable, leading many families to seek alternative employment. The current situation poses a threat to the complete disappearance of this age-old industry. Hence, Tendapani urges the government to provide financial support and incentives to revive and sustain this traditional industry, preserving jobs and heritage.