Satkhira terracotta tiles traders in dire straits

SATKHIRA, May 16 (UNB): Once export-oriented, the clay-made terracotta tiles industry in Satkhira has plummeted to a dreary state of business from its past glory for various reasons, including lack of government patronisation.
Non-availability of loan on easy terms, non-cooperation from the authorities concerned in creating market abroad, want of modern machinery and increased production cost are also among the reasons to be blamed for the setback the industry is facing.
Around 50 clay-made terracotta tiles factories in Muralikati, Srirampur and Mirzapur areas in Kalaroa upazila in the district are facing closure for the reasons mentioned above.
Around 5,000 people employed in the industry are leading financial hardship for suspension of tiles production in almost all the factories in the district.
Industry insiders, including factory owners, are in apprehension of complete abolition of the industry from the district in case of government's indifference to development of the sector which once had immense forex income possibilities.
The clay-made tile industry first developed in Muralikati Palpara area in Kalaroa upazila of the district in 2000.
At first there were five tiles factories.
The owners of the factories had expanded their business with exporting tallies to Italy. That is why; the area took the name, 'Italy City'.
The products here had captured largely the markets of Italy, Dubai, Malaysia, South Africa, the Netherlands and the USA.
With the rise in the demand of those, clay-made tile factories grew in the district in an increasing number day by day.
Now there are 50 factories in the district which employ 5,000 people.
President of Tally Factory Malik Babosayee Somobay Samity Goshto Chandra Pal said the owners of earthen tile factories had earned huge profit since 2000 by supplying their products to the international markets.
Clay tiles sold at Tk 30-Tk 60 per piece in the international market.
They earned foreign currency worth Tk 3.0 billion (300 crore) every year, he added.
But after 2010, the industry began to face collapse due to discords among the factory owners and an uneven competition in the business.
Noticing downtrend of the quality of the products, foreign buyers lost interest in buying the tiles, causing a rapid fall in their prices.
Now a piece of clay tile is being sold at Tk 8-Tk 10 against the previous price of Tk 60.
Besides, the production cost of the tiles has also become much higher than the past. The revenue from the industry has fallen to Tk 70-80 million.
The factory owners have to count heavy losses due to the sharp fall in the prices of their products.
Kalaroa upazila parishad chairman Firoz Ahmed Swapan said the government should provide necessary support, including easy bank loan on low interests, and take initiative for exploring international markets and fixing a fair price.