Balangir lies northeast of Orissa. The climatic condition in this part of Orissa is of an extreme nature. Balangir is one of the most underdeveloped parts of Orissa and the majority of the population here is below the poverty line. Migration is high during brick-making season and the poorer people migrate all over India in search of livelihood.

Sangeet Agarwal had been in the business of making bricks for a long time before he became associated with TARA EcoKiln. He used to face numerous problems during his conventional brick business, including labour problems, extreme climatic conditions, migration of labourers to other states, etc. As a result of these problems, he suffered heavy losses. After getting in touch with the TARA team and learning of the TARA EcoKiln technology, he decided to adopt this eco-friendly technology for his brick manufacturing process.

Sangeet Agarwal opted for the TARA EcoKiln in October 2006. In January 2007, he commissioned his plant and is now operating the same quite successfully. In mid 2007, he did face some problems in making green bricks. He then adopted the TARA BrickMeck technology for the betterment of his product quality. Satisfied with the results from the TARA BrickMech technology this businessman has ordered another TARA BrickMech Machine in 2008. Presently, both the machines are working very successfully at his site.

Through the TARA EcoKiln business, Sangeet Agarwal was able to provide employment for 40 to 45 local people. By adopting this pattern of mechanisation, he has not only increased the profit margin but was also able to run his kiln 8 to 9 months in a year and able to reduce the migration of local labour. Other entrepreneurs in the brick industry are also showing interest in adopting this technology based on the feedback of this entrepreneur’s progress with the TARA ecoKiln technology.  q

Prashant Rana
prana@devalt.org
 

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