Kalimpong’s Lollipop industry - Expensive and competitive era punctures

Out of all the things of Kalimpong, the Lollipops made here are the most popular item which defines the place. The mouthwatering Lollipops are not only famous in India but are known worldwide because of its rich quality. Few of the conscious youths through this small scale business has not only become self employed but have also been able to create employment to others.Prepared and sold by the hardworking people of Kalimpong, to earn their daily bread, the Lollipop business however, at present times is on the verge of shutting down due to the lack of government assistance. Not only this, there are other factors which adds up to this. One of the major factors is the price hike. The nil initiative by the government in order to conserve and encourage the small scale industry is another factor. All these have proved to be a bane further, discouraging the youths linked in this business.Few years ago there was about a dozen of small scale entrepreneurs involved in Lollipop business. The number has now decreased to 3- 4. Lollipops are manufactured in 7th Mile area of Kalimpong. The Bikram Dairy, Priyanka Dairy and Kalimpong Dairy are the few established names in this Lollipop manufacturing business.Pappu Thapa of Bikram Dairy is running the business with the support from his family since a decade. After completing his Higher Secondary and being unemployed for some time, Thapa ventured into this business.At present the Dairy produces 300 packets of Lollipops per day from 100 litres of milk. Along with 6 members from his family, Thapa has been able to provide employment to 6-7 youths from in and around the area. Though not highly profitable, Thapa has managed to earn a decent living for his family through the Dairy. The Lollipops prepared at the Dairy reaches the Kalimpong market early morning where it is sold at Rs 30/- to Rs 35/- per packet.“We prepare two kinds of Lollipop as per market demand”, says Thapa.One is of reasonable quality as per the market price, while the other is of high quality which is costlier than the reasonable one.Thapa is compelled to continue with the business whether it’s running under loss or profit for he has no other means of earning.“If any help is provided by the government I wish to expand this business. The Small Scale Industries Department has assured of help. If it happens then the business can go well”, he opines.But, unlike Thapa, many other youths who were involved in this business have opted for other professions.“In this expensive and competitive era, it is hard to survive in this field”, he says.

By Mukesh Sharma