Kannauj, May 29: The once-famous perfume industry of India's northern Kannauj town faces closure as demand for its flower-based perfumes falls. The indigenous perfume (Itra) industry in India's northern Kannuaj town is dying a slow death. Traders said the once-famous flower-based perfume industries has lost their main market after some provincial governments banned "Gutka", a chewable tobacco soaked in vegetable edible flavours. Hazi Mohammad Riaz, whose Itra distillation factory has seen output decline by a whopping 80 percent, blamed heavy taxes and govenment apathy towards the traditional industry. "After the sales of gutka', (tobacco based chewing item) was banned by the government, there was a decline in our business.This is an export oriented business so the sales tax should not be levied. The government should be more considerate towards this industry," said Hazi Mohammad Riaz, who runs an Itra distillation factory.
"The government is not paying enough attention to this industry and that is why the business is down...and there is lot of harassment of the traders by the law enforcing agencies," complains Nasim Ahamd, another Itra producer.


Part of the slump in demand is also a result of younger generation's preference for cheaper chemical based-perfumes available in exotic fragrances.


"The older generation prefers Itra while the younger generation has more liking for chemical based perfumes. That is not benefiting the industry," bemoans Sanjay Gupta, another Itra trader who has been in the business for twenty years.


The most expensive is the Ruh Gulab' or Rose Itra which costs 190 US dollars for only half a teaspoon.


The natural sandalwood based materials like sandal wood, Henna leaves and rose petals are used for distilling Itra.


Besides the domestic market the traditional perfume is exported mainly to the Gulf countries.


India's sandalwood based perfume was discovered by medieval Mughal rulers. But exorbitant prices and poor marketing is keping Itra' away from the main market of perfumes and fragrances.

Bureau Report