Greetings from Swanand Govigyan!
The conditions and situations that have arised in the country due to the prevailing nationwide lockdown have been really challenging for all. In these trying times, what cow products should be made and what steps should be taken by the Gaupalaks is what this post is all about. A lot of people keep asking us what should be in the coming days in this Covid-era and what will be beneficial.
It's quite unfortunate, to be honest, as the most important and useful time for us has passed by- that is, the summers as the scorching heat and good sunlight in the summer days makes it easy to dry up the articles. A lot of people had various activities planned for the summer time and incurred losses as well. Even we had a lot of plans for the future, for instance launching of some new moulds which we had to put a stop on due the lockdown. So, now we aim to launch them by Diwali, this year. Our viewers who have seen our Youtube video on how to make cow dung cakes might remember how I asked them to prepare cow dung cakes, dry them up and store them in the form of small pieces. Now you can crush these small dung pieces into a fine powder and use as per requirement. One thing to remember is that only those articles that can easily dry in this monsoon season, such as the small and medium sized articles should be made. It is quite obvious that if we try drying these articles indoors with the help of room heaters or fans, this will increase our costs toa large extent, not to forget the ample space that we would require to dry them up as well. Therefore it would be better to avoid the production of large sized articles.
Another suggestion would be to start making the small sized articles that would be in demand in the Diwali season, for example, small shubh-labhs, diyas etc. Neither would they require any infrastructure nor do they need much time to try to dry up which would be beneficial. Another reason to avoid making large sized articles is the low margin and less demand due to their high MRPs. Small sized idols of Ganeshji and Laxmiji can also be made keeping in mind the Diwali season. Also arriving in the coming days is the Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrated in Maharashtra and Ganeshji murtis would be required then as well. Although we don't suggest making large sized idols but if you do have the facilities like dryers and infrastructure for the same, then you can surely make them. Another festival to look out for is Rakhsha Bandhan. Since rakhis are quite small sized, they would be easy to make and you can start their production as well. Rakhis will be in a lot of demand, especially the ones made out of gobar and decorated with the leaves of tulsi which are eco-friendly and really attract the customers. As Modiji is spreading word on #VocalforLocal and Make In India and promotes people to go for locally made products. Therefore these products will see a surge in demand in the market. Another major festival which can help to increase the income levels is Navratri, so i would urge all my fellow Gaupalaks to start the production of dhoopbattis and sambrani cups. All these products are ones which would not require many resources as previously discussed.
Lastly, we would like to thank all the well-wishers and customers of Swanand Govigyan and would like to assure people that we are always there to support in all your endeavours. May Gau Mata bless everyone with the strength and capability to come out of these difficult times successfully and protect the Gaumata and their families too.
Jai Gau Mata!