Fireworks sector expects 50% sales hike over last yr’s
Times of India | 30 October 2024
12 Kolkata: The fireworks industry in Bengal expects a 50% rise in sales this Diwali-Kali Puja compared to last year. This follows the increase in the number of markets from where crackers are sold and the relaxation in sound norms for crackers, which has expanded the range of crackers on sale.
Speaking to TOI on Tuesday, Sara Bangla Atasbaji Unnyan Samiti chairman Babla Roy said the industry hoped to record sales of Rs 12,000 crore- Rs 13,000 crore this year, up from Rs 8,000 crore last year. He said the sales could have scaled to as high as Rs 15,000 crore had Cyclone Dana not caused showers in south Bengal and forced a three-day delay in starting the Baji Bazars.
"Against 52 Baji Bazars last year, we have organised 102 markets where crackers are being sold this time. The number of markets has increased from 12 to 42 in north Bengal, while in south Bengal, the count has gone up from 40 to 60. With an average of 40 stalls in each Baji Bazar, there are over 4,000 stalls this year," said Roy, who is also chair of the largest Baji Bazar in Kolkata, held on the Saheed Minar grounds.
The revision in the decibel level of crackers from 90 dB to 125 dB has helped manufacturers as well as sellers to increase their offerings.
"Due to the 90 dB constraint, the fireworks market suffered tremendously in Bengal in the last two-and-a-half decades. We are now liberated. Youngsters who turned away from crackers will now be back," he said.
At Kolkata's Baji Bazars, 60% of the fireworks sold are manufactured in Tamil Nadu, while 20% are manufactured in the state. The remaining comes from units in Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Retailers also pointed out that the shift to green crackers increased the price by 15%-20% over last year's. "What one could buy for Rs 700 last year will cost Rs 800 or more this year. In that price, one will get a box of sparklers, flowerpots, spinners, and another item, like a firetorch or ‘rangmashaal'. If one buys good brands, that could cost Rs 1,300 this year against Rs 1,000 last year," said retailer Sushil Kumar Golcha.