Date:08/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/08/stories/2008050857600300.htm

Other States - Orissa

Charcoal pulverisation unit inaugurated

Staff Reporter

BERHAMPUR: First charcoal pulverisation unit was inaugurated in Ganjam district at Indrakshi village on Wednesday to utilise the waste of the Kewra distillation units.

It is quite interesting to note that four coastal blocks of Ganjam district produce more than 90 per cent of the economically viable kewra production in India. There are more than 250 kewra distilleries in these four blocks of the district to produce kewra extracts. Till now Kewara distilleries are using firewood for the distillation process. They have not changed as use of other fuel affects the fragrance of the extract.

Now the charcoal waste of the distillation units will be used to produce charcoal powder. It is envisioned that production of better quality charcoal powder will help in boosting the incense sticks manufacturing units in the district as kewra extracts can also be used to manufacture them.