WE feel honored and very delighted to be associated with National Innovation Foundation – India. On 77th Independence day we got the golden opportunity for the first public show case of our solution of Diya Making Machine at Regional Science Center, Bhubaneswar. We cannot be thankful enough for this once in a lifetime opportunity. (15th August 2023)
Cow Dung Diya Making Unit
1. Background:
Cattle are a vital livestock in Odisha. Although milk is widely used in various forms, cow dung, also known as “green gold,” is often wasted and not utilized for productive purposes. However, it has natural deterrent properties, good tensile strength, and is abundant in most parts of Odisha. The cow dung (also known as green gold) can be utilized for manufacturing of wellness products like eco-friendly diya. The concept of utilizing cow dung to manufacture eco-friendly diyas is not new and has been practiced in southern and western India for decades. These diyas are commonly sold in markets and have gained popularity for their eco-friendly and wellness properties.
2. Product:
The product to be manufactured is eco-friendly diyas of different shapes and sizes made from cow dung manure. These wellness products can be used for prayers, rituals, and ceremonies. Key features include:
- Smooth and elegant build
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Robust in usage
- Sturdy and light weight
- Completely Eco-friendly and biodegradable.
3. Raw Material Availability
There are over 99 lakh cattle in Odisha, producing approximately 7.5 kg of cow dung per cow per day. Thus, there is an abundant supply of raw materials available in Odisha to produce these pious diyas.
4. Production Process:
The Diya can be produced easily using hand operated press machine. Before taking the form of the pious ‘Diya’, cow dung procured from local sources has to go through multiple processes. Cow dung goes through iterative drying, finely powdered, and mixed with other organic products in a specific mixture. The mixture thus obtained is then taken in batches to create molds for both small-scale and large-scale production. The output from the previous step is then dried for several hours, cleaned, and finally, the diyas are ready. After these series of processes, the cow dung diyas are packed and shipped across to bless buyers and their families.
5. Market:
The cow dung diya is an innovative, eco-friendly alternative to traditional earthen diyas, catering to the growing demand for biodegradable products in the spiritual industry. There is a possibility to leverage this business opportunity to benefit rural communities.
With Odisha boasting over 2,500 temples statewide, including more than 1,000 in Bhubaneswar, temples present a vast market potential for our eco-friendly diyas. Rising demand for eco-friendly and decorative products will drive growth in the diya market. Additionally, these products can be sold at a premium in metro cities, offering a lucrative business opportunity.
The Green Lamp Project embodies the spirit of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) by leveraging local resources, empowering rural communities, and promoting sustainable practices. By utilizing cow dung manure, the project reduces waste, creates employment opportunities, and fosters innovation, ultimately contributing to a self-sufficient and eco-friendly India.
Do things better or Do better things?
“What to do now?
What not to do is remain idle.”