Electric potter’s wheel to transform terracotta handicraft in Asharikandi | Guwahati News

Dhubri: With a view to transform the lives of terracotta and pottery artisans through economic sustainability, the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) on Tuesday distributed 40 electric wheels among artisans of the Asharikandi cluster craft village under the ‘Sustainable Development of Traditional Terracotta and Pottery Business’ project, which is being implemented under the Union govt’s Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) programme.Asharikandi, located at Madaikhali, is the country’s largest cluster for traditional terracotta and pottery, with more than 100 families actively engaged in producing a wide range of handcrafted items. The unique Asharikandi style is known for its fine craftsmanship, the quality of locally sourced clay known as Hiramati, favourable climatic conditions and age-old artistic traditions.However, the craft has been facing a steady decline due to labour-intensive production processes, occupational health hazards and low income, factors that have discouraged the younger generation from taking up the profession.To address these challenges, NECTAR— an autonomous body under the Union department of science and technology — has been introducing mechanised clay art practices since 2020, in collaboration with the North East Craft and Rural Development Organisation (NECARDO).Speaking to TOI, NECTAR director general Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma said, “New technologies can improve efficiency, increase production, and help artisans meet international quality standards, thereby ensuring sustainable livelihoods.” He also expressed hope that the initiative will, in the long run, explore the potential for eco-tourism and educational excursions.NECARDO director Binoy Bhattacharjee said, “With the electric wheel, production time can be reduced from four to five hours to just one hour. This, along with improved firing techniques and the use of jigger-jolly machines, will significantly help the terracotta and pottery business,” he added.