Prayagraj man moulds clay craft into sustainable & job-creating venture

Prayagraj: Turning traditional craftsmanship into a thriving business, 48-year-old Shri Krishna Chaubey has emerged as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs by creating jobs instead of seeking one.

With financial assistance under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Chaubey set up a Rs 1 crore designer clay cup manufacturing unit in Prayagraj and is now earning lakhs while generating local employment.In 2023, Chaubey established his unit, Hi-Tech Mrida Patra, in Habibpur to manufacture designer ‘kulhads’.Sharad Tandon, deputy commissioner (industries), said Chaubey signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth ₹1 crore with the District Industries and Promotion Department and received financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh under the PMEGP scheme.The PMEGP provides loans of up to ₹50 lakh to entrepreneurs to set up small factories, manufacturing units, and production facilities in the manufacturing sector.Demand for clay cups has increased significantly since the UP govt imposed a ban on single-use plastic and promoted kulhads as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and thermocol cups.Officials said rising awareness about reducing plastic consumption in both rural and urban areas has further boosted the popularity of clay cups.

Consumers are increasingly opting for tea served in ‘kulhads’, appreciating their distinct earthy aroma and environmental benefits.Recognising this trend, Chaubey launched the production unit to manufacture four varieties of designer kulhads. The unit produces more than 50,000 cups every month, with output increasing to several lakh during the Magh Mela.As single-use products made from natural clay, the cups decompose easily and return to the soil without harming the environment.Chaubey's venture has also created employment opportunities for residents, demonstrating how traditional industries can promote sustainability, enhance livelihoods and preserve cultural practices.Officials said the Yogi Adityanath govt is encouraging educated unemployed youth to become self-reliant by providing loans and subsidies to start businesses, industries and service-sector ventures. They added that such initiatives are helping create enterprises in emerging sectors while boosting employment across the state.