Earning a living by making clay water filters

By Liladhar Oli 

Ghorahi, Oct. 26: While most households today use modern, electric-powered water filters, a young entrepreneur from Dang has turned traditional craftsmanship into a sustainable business by producing handmade clay filters.

Lilaram Kumal, a local of Gadhawa Rural Municipality–6, Deukhuri, along with his family, has been making various clay products, including water filters, for the past 15 years. 

What began as a family tradition of crafting traditional items like pala, ghainta, bhurki and flowerpots has now evolved into a small enterprise producing clay water filters to meet the growing market demand.

Kumal shared that sales have been strong since he started making clay filters, which are both affordable and healthier alternatives to plastic or electric ones. “The filters are cheap, good for health and in high demand,” he said, adding that he produces and sells filters worth around Rs. 1 million each year.

Demand peaks during the summer, when he sells over a thousand units annually, each priced at around Rs. 1,000. His filters are supplied not only across Dang but also to markets in Butwal, Kohalpur and Surkhet.

Due to the growing business, Kumal has employed two workers. He informed that after paying their wages, he is able to save around Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month. 

However, he faces challenges in sourcing raw materials, as community forests have restricted clay collection and the use of firewood needed for production. Recognising the importance of traditional pottery, Gadhawa Rural Municipality is planning to establish a Ceramic Hub to protect and promote the local clay industry. 

According to Chairperson Yam Narayan Pokharel, Gadhawa’s identity is closely tied to its pottery heritage, and the municipality aims to connect traditional skills with modern technology for sustainable entrepreneurship.

“We are working to modernise this traditional craft, transfer skills to younger generations and provide training and scholarships,” Pokharel said. “Our goal is to transform this into a self-reliant, modern enterprise.”