Vishal Rice Mills

We are right across from the bus stand in Balbehra. You can see the No-17 sign from the Cheeka Road if the traffic isn't too backed up. Being near the front side of the bus stand means it is always noisy. There are horns honking and conductors shouting destinations all day long. It makes the mill feel very connected to the rest of the world. We get a lot of dust from the road mixing with the chaff from the rice. We have to keep the front area clear so the trucks can back in without hitting the pedestrians. The mill itself is a big open space with high ceilings. It gets quite cold in the winter months, so we all wear heavy sweaters while we work the levers. Most of the people who work here have been with us since we opened. We know which machine is going to act up before it even happens. You develop a feel for the rhythm of the rollers. Sometimes travelers from the bus stand pop in just to ask for directions or a glass of water. We don't mind. It is part of being in such a busy spot. We just keep the bags moving and make sure the weights are right on the scale. It is honest work and it keeps us busy from dawn until the last bus leaves the station at night. We just focus on the grain and the gears.