PCB makes earthen pot its new eco-tag, hails benefits

Hyderabad: To increase consumer awareness about eco-friendly products, the Government of India introduced the eco labelling scheme known as ‘Eco mark’ in 1991.

The government recognised the importance of earthen pots as an “Eco friendly product” and in January, the Central Pollution Control Board embraced the earthen pot as a logo of the Eco mark.

Earthen pots were chosen for their many benefits and because of how eco-friendly they are. These pots are made from the top layer of soil, which obstructs the rain water flow into the earth. It also decreases the soil erosion.

Earthen pots should be made more so that the top layer of the soil is used up and water seeps in.

Praveen Kumar Jaligama,  an environmentalist said, “After the usage of earthen pots, we have found that they can be used to manufacture tiles as well. It helps in reducing soil depreciation and helps in the conservation of good soil.”

Purushotham Reddy, environmentalist said, “There are two dimensions i.e. one is the pot itself and the other is the value of the mud used to make the pot that contains nutrients and minerals. Fifty years ago, we were used to cook in pots.We should adopt a lifestyle which will ultimately help the potters community and others who are still continuing in traditional occupations.”

Earthen pot is also used for agricultural practices, especially in drought prone regions and higher altitude regions. In higher altitude region, agriculture is mainly dependent on rain water where it is difficult to keep the water stagnant as it flows downwards.

Mr Praveen Kumar said, “Earthen pot is arranged in between plant saplings and filled with water. At the time of insufficient water in the soil, plants will use the water from the earthen pot. This type of agriculture is very helpful in low rainfall regions.”