There is at least one Match factory in K.V.Kuppam and matches are still made in the traditional way. Part of the process is done at home and the matchsticks are returned to the factory in frames to be dipped into chemicals before being packed into boxes.
A more recent industry grew as a result of the excess production of milk. The production of ‘cova’ helped to prolong the shelf life of the milk and there is now a ‘cova’ factory in the area of Pooncholi near Melmoil. Milk is heated in large pans until it evaporates, sugar is then added and the thickened mixture is put into trays ready to go to the sweet factory.
Some smaller industries such as ‘pop’ rice, ‘jaggery’ and charcoal and brick manufacture are still carried out using simple traditional methods. These involve hard work and are very poorly paid. A brick maker, for instance, will receive only 1 rupee per brick.
Packing matches in the Match Factory. Workers earn less than 40 rupees per day.
Milk is boiled to evaporate the water content and produce ‘Cova’ for sweet making.
Brick making is done by hand.
Making ‘pop rice’ is very hot work.
‘Jaggery’ is made from sugar cane.
‘Bluing’ hospital garments in a field.
Charcoal is made using local Prosopis Juliflora wood.
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