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Bitter times for sweet makers in Karnataka

HUBBALLI: Visitors to north Karnatak often look forward to indulging themselves in the various delicacies that each district in the region has to offer. If it is the pedha in Dharwad, it is the kunda in Belagavi, the nutrient-rich kardant is a speciality in Gokak and khara is famous in Savanur. However, the lockdown has sent businesses on a downward spiral, and savoury makers are not too optimistic of sales bouncing back.



The owners of these savoury units point to the exodus of migrant labourers as being one of the major hurdles to resumption of business.

Umesh Thakur, owner of Babusingh Thakur Pedha, said the months of April and May, when the wedding calendar is usually packed, generated tremendous business for savoury makers. “With the lockdown enforced in the two months, we incurred heavy losses. Earlier we prepared 350kg of Dharwad pedha every day, but now we are able to make no more than 40kg,” Thakur added.

Rajesh Kotak, owner of Savanur Khara in Haveri district, said most of his customers were too afraid to turn up at his store, and his business had nosedived.

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