Plight of Salt Farmers: Crisis Ahead

New Delhi: Currently, the country’s salt industry is facing many challenges. The condition of the salt farmers is bad. Because they do not get a minimum support price (MSP) like other crops. Gujarat produces the largest amount of salt in the country. Salt production in Gujarat has been affected due to prolonged monsoon flow in the country for the past few years.

According to experts, if this trend continues, there may be a 30 percent decline in salt production in the country in the next few years. Late-onset and prolonged duration of monsoon also affect salt cultivation.

During British rule, salt production was considered mining. India is the world’s third largest producer of salt after the United States and China. About 300 million tons of salt are produced in India every year. India exports about 10 million tonnes of salt, while 1.25 crore tonnes of salt are used in industry. The remaining salt is used by the retail consumer. India exports salt to more than 55 countries. 76% of India’s total salt production comes from Gujarat. Apart from Gujarat, salt is produced in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Salt making in Gujarat takes place from October to May. Bharat Rawal, president of the Indian Salt Manufacturers Association (ISMA), said that last year there was rain in Gujarat till the first week of October.