Q: In the first round of answers, we got the impression that the salt pans were destroyed during the EQ, and in a later communication, we gather that they were not destroyed. Can you please clarify? If they are not destroyed, are the people still employed there?
A: Actually most of salt pan works is executed in the open near the raw salt (where salt cubes are accumulated in big mounds), the Agariyas (salt pan workers) work by grinding the salt cubes in grinding machines (these machines are like, Atta Chaki, grain flour machines. The houses of Agariyas' have been damaged, but not the salt pan as they work in the open grounds. Yes, people are still employed.
Q: Do the Ambar Charka trainees quit agriculture to join this program? If this project doesn't work as well as we plan, what is the situation of these trainees?
A: The people in area have expertise in Ambar charkha, as the weaving has been traditional work but in the project we are targeting the widows and other affected people for providing the alternative livelihood sources. The people don't have to quit the agricultural. activity as this is also age old traditional primary occupation in rural areas.
Q: We understand that you have had several years of experience in this area and we would like to understand the situation there. In this connection, why did you choose Ambar Charka over other professions in the area? What are the other professions available?
A: As this area is drought prone area and scarcity has been frequently experienced in the region due to failure of rainfall, hence people prefer an alternative source of livelihood and weaving on Ambar charka is one of the household activity, which people resort to earn livelihood. Other economic activities are making Agarbati, embroidery, making soaps and other. And all require good marketing skills.
Q: Are there any existing ambar charka units operating? what is their state?
A: Yes, there are many but due to recession, sales are down and finished products are stored in godown. This is the state with other units and we too would think and revise the situation before getting in Ambar Charkas.
Q: Has the shoe-making been affected in any way due to the EQ?
A: Not very much in Tharad but of course their houses got damaged.