Chuadanga blacksmiths face hardship, quitting ancestral profession

CHUADANGA, Jun 2: About 950 blacksmiths in Chuadanga district are passing days in severe financial crisis as the demand for their products has gone down forcing them to leave their ancient profession.
Chuadanga BSIC office sources said more than 2000 blacksmiths were engaged in their business in different areas of the district for years. But the number has come down to about 950 now.
Shanti Kamar  in Ujirpur village under Chuadanga Sadar Upazila  said, "Most of the blacksmiths in the district are now leaving their ancestral profession due to severe hardship as demand of their products is going down''
Another blacksmith Anando Kormokar said, "Iron-made home appliance are not much in demand now as plastic products have flooded the markets."
Blacksmiths of the district said the prices of the raw materials like steel, cast-iron, charcoal and other necessary inputs rose abnormally high causing an increase in the production cost."
Some blacksmiths said that it is difficult for them to survive and hold their ancient profession unless the government patronises them financially. They also said if they are provided with easy bank loan they will be able to run their traditional business comfortably.