The lime industry in Sadar upazila is on the verge of extinction due to shortage of raw materials and financial crisis.
According to sources, the lime producers face difficulties while maintaining their families as they do not earn much. That is why many of them have switched to the professions.
Lime producer Ajit Roy said after burning 50 kg of oyster and snail shells and by mixing water around 150 to 180kg of lime is produced which is sold in the market at Tk600 per maund.
He further said:”Previously we purchased shells at Tk60 per bag (50 kg a bag), but now-a-days the same is Tk 300. Besides, the availability of shells is decreasing. Moreover, we have no such capital that we can invest a considerable amount in the industry.”
If the government and banks provide loans with small interests, the industry can be saved otherwise it will become extinct in the course of time, he added.
The lime producer Indronath, Vimnath Kolpona and Budhi Bala said if the government did not take steps, the industry would destroy soon. When contacted Raipur UP Mamunur Rashid said: “I am trying to help the lime producers by providing interest free loan from the government fund.”
Lime is one of the ingredients of chewing betel nut which is extensively used in Bangladesh.
It is made from shells of oysters and snails. Its making process is not very difficult but requires skill.
First of all the dry shells of oysters and snails are burnt in special kilns for two to three hours. As a result, the shells become whitish and powdery. After this the powder is netted for extracting foreign materials. It is then mixed with water in earthen pots and stirred by bamboo stick for about 20 to 25 minutes. After this, lime becomes ready for use. For making the juice much white, seeded banana is mixed with the lime.
