Weather vagaries to hit salt production

Unseasonal rainfall and an extended winter could cut down the production of salt in the country by about 14 per cent making the commodity dearer for the consumer and adversely affecting exports.

"As against 173 lakh tonne of salt produced in 2007, it is estimated that for 2008 we will be able to produce only 150 lakh tonne. Thanks to the uncertain weather," Indian Salt Manufacturers Association Secretary B C Rawal said.

Dry and sunny climate is essential for salt production and the western arid region of Gujarat along with 1,600 km long coastline provide a conducive environment, making Gujarat the largest producer of salt in the country. The state contributes nearly 70 per cent of the total salt produced in the country.

According to Rawal, there could be a big gap between the demand and supply of salt, both for domestic and industrial consumption which could lead to rise in salt prices. Exports of salt would also be hit this year, he added.

"Salt which fetched a price of Rs 250 per tonne in 2007 could cost around Rs 350-400 per tonne in 2008. The increase in logistics and power charges will also add to the over cost of salt," Rawal said.

The state had extended monsoon as well as extended winter this year which had resulted in such a situation. Unseasonal rains were also witnessed in the state yesterday which is going to affect salt production.

"Production is likely to go down by 15 to 20 per cent if the monsoon starts at its usual time of mid-June. If the monsoon starts late in July than salt production will rise as the salt pan will get more time to dry the salt," President of Kutch Small Scale Salt Manufacturers Association Bachubhai Ahir said.

A third of the salt produced in India is used as edible salt, around 20 per cent is exported and the rest is consumed by the chlor alkali, soda ash, glass leather, paper and pulp industries.

At present, India is the third largest salt producing country in the world after the US and China.