This Belagavi-based cooperative makes 1,000 clay Ganesha idols a day

At the Kadasiddeshwara Bricks and Pottery Materials Producers Cooperative Society in Konnur village of Belagavi district is known for making around 800-1,000 eco-friendly Ganesha idols per day that are sold across several states.

The Kadasiddeshwara Bricks and Pottery Materials Producers Cooperative Society in Konnur village of Belagavi district is a unique institution. While celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi are coming to an end in the rest of the State, for this co-op, it is Ganesha season all year round.

The society is known for making Ganesha idols that are sold across several states. Members and employees work throughout the year and make around 800-1,000 idols per day. “Last year, we sold around 3.2 lakh idols, big and small,’‘ says Channabasappa Tirakannanavar, plant supervisor.

Significantly, the society has been engaged in making eco-friendly Ganesha idols for over six decades, using clay, cotton and non toxic colours. Even their seven feet tall idols are made of clay and not Plaster of Paris.

It supplies idols wholesale to retailers who sell them to homes and Ganesha Mandalis across different States. The society hires trucks and other vehicles to deliver the idols to the doorsteps of retailers. All the idols made over 12 months are sold in two months. The employees work in two shifts during the three month holiday season and in a single shift during the rest nine months.

The employs are paid on a job-work basis. On an average, each employee takes home around ₹300-450 per day. The employees comprise of members of various faiths and communities, and nearly half of them are women.

The work sheds follow the assembly line model where groups of labourers work on preparing the clay, using the moulds, assembling the parts, cleaning and painting, packing and delivery.

The society has limited local sales and their prices are quite competitive. A six-inch Ganesha idol costs just ₹100 against similar idols sold for ₹800 in Belagavi. A five feet-tall clay idol is sold for ₹700-₹900 against ₹2500-₹3500 in the Belagavi market.