GHAZNI CITY (SW): Aging, pale and weak looking Haji Noor Gul has spent fifty precious years of his life working as copper-smith in central Ghazni province. He is one among thousands of people associated with this once thriving industry, which according to the locals is struggling hard to survive.
Handmade copper jewellery, sculptures, fenders, decorative panels, plates, cookware, coffee pots, jugs, vases etc were once the hallmark of Ghazni’s copper industry in the country and abroad.
The government has neglected this industry, he regrettably said, adding plastic and nickel products have taken the place of copper ones. "Right now we are not producing any stuff nor are there any buyers”, he sighed.
Haji Noor agrees that plastic and nickel products are affordable but they are not durable and adorable as copper made items.
Ghulam Nabi Naeemi, another master coppersmith, told Salam Watandar Radio Network (SWRN) many other factors like decades of war, prevailing poverty and other too have added to the miseries. He feared if the government did not pay serious attention towards reviving this domestic industry, it might vanish completely.
“Imported stuff has captured the market of copper products, secondly the persistent violence has killed many and forced many others to migrate besides causing poverty and despair”, he noted.
Meanwhile, Ahsanullah Biyat, the Secretary General of Ghazni Chamber of Commerce and Industry GCCI argues that those associated with copper industry should get in touch with the Chamber. Assuring his full support, Biyat said no one from the industry has so far approached them for help.
“We have contacts with 21 provinces and several countries around the world and when they (coppersmiths) are registered with us, we would strive to explore new markets for them”, he vowed.
On the other end, Muhammad Hussain Arifi, Secretary for the Ghazni Industrial Park, said new cabinet would devise a fresh strategy for the revival of this industry. “I have been assured that a broader plan is in sight forthis industry in Ghazni”, he added.
Besides the coppersmith, coat embroidery, carpet weaving, embroidery and knitting are prominent domestic industries in Ghazni that are struggling hard to survive under current circumstances.
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