The untimely rain that lashed the Prakasam district a few days ago may have brought some relief to the people reeling under drought conditions, but it has certainly spelt doom for the salt producers in the coastal mandals.
The district has a coastline spreading over more than 100 km and the areas are well suited for salt panning.
It is during April and May salt farmers reap a rich harvest, taking advantage of the heat wave conditions. The recent rains have diluted the salt content in sprawling salt pans, leading to loss of production; lament a group of salt producers at Kothapatnam while talking to The Hindu .
