Blacksmithing business eases livelihood

By Sher Bahadur Sharki,Bajura, Oct. 6: Local Padam Luhar's blacksmithing business in Banegaun, Budhiganga Municipality-4, has made it easier for him to earn a living.

Previously, Luhar and others would go to various places in India for employment, but since starting his blacksmith business in the village, he has begun to earn well, making his livelihood much easier. “Since I left my job in India and started the business near the village market, it has eased my livelihood,” said Luhar. He added, “In this workshop, I make tools that are essential for the locals, such as sickles, spades, ploughs, axes, knives, and traditional knives (khukuris). These items sell quite well.”

According to him, previously he struggled to manage household expenses while working for a long time in India. Now, the blacksmith business has given him a satisfactory income in his own village. He has two daughters and a son studying at a nearby school, while another son is pursuing higher education in Kathmandu. As the current generation shows little interest in the traditional business practiced by their ancestors, many locals have had to seek jobs in India.

In the past, blacksmithing was done manually, but now most blacksmiths use electric machines. “I do not have machines for cutting, forging and welding iron. If I had those machines, it would make my blacksmith business much easier,” he added.

“These machines are expensive, and I cannot afford to buy them. I have asked the local government many times for assistance, but I have received no response,” Luhar stated.

He complained to the local government for spending millions on roads and supporting political 

activists instead of helping people like him. He believed that if training for modern blacksmithing 

practices were provided, it would greatly benefit them as well as the newer generation who want to join the business.

“If the local government could provide financial support for this long-running blacksmithing business, many unemployed youth in the area would not need to go to India seeking work,” according to Pushpraj Sunar from Khaptad Chededaha Municipality-5.

He said, “In the past, we had to craft items by own hands, which did not require electricity. Nowadays, blacksmithing businesses has started using electric machines.”

Meanwhile, the local government is running various agricultural programmes to support those seeking employment in Budhiganga Municipality-4, said Ward Chairperson Meen Bahadur Shah.

Recently, locals from Bajura’s Himalayan regions like Swamikartik, Jagannath, Budhinanda, Gaumul, Badimalika, Budhiganga, Triveni and Khaptad Chededaha have started viewing blacksmithing not just as a craft but as a viable business.