The unprecedented fall in salt production in Tuticorin has prompted some manufacturers to rely on Gujarat, the largest producer of salt in India, to cater to the needs of traders, refiners and the industry here.
Unseasonal rain in Tuticorin has led to the crisis of fall in output. For the first time, 35,000 tonnes of crystal salt has been shipped from Gujarat on a break bulk vessel. “There is a constant demand for salt in South India. Gujarat has become the priority market not just to fill the gap in supply and demand but also for quality of salt and its cost effectiveness,” said S.K.S.C.N. Dharmaraj, a manufacturer-cum-merchant and former chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry.
M.S.A. Peter Jebaraj, president, Gandhi-Irwin Salt Manufacturers’ Association said, “We are managing with the dwindling stock of salt, which was produced last year. The stock contraction has triggered a steep increase in price. The average annual production of salt is 27 lakh tonnes to 30 lakh tonnes, but this year production is yet to take off.”
Normally, a new crop would be produced in salt pans at the fag end of February after completing maintenance work. But, this year, unseasonal rain in February, March and April halted operations in salt pans, Mr. Jebaraj said.
S. Petchimuthu, another manufacturer, said two months ago one tonne of top quality salt fetched Rs. 1,000 but the cost now is Rs.2, 600. “However, production is expected to resume in the middle of June, if rain does not intervene. It requires a minimum of one month to achieve the best quality in salt. The desired results could be achieved in production with favourable sunlight, air and rainless days,” he said.
Unseasonal rain in the last three months has affected production in Tuticorin salt pans
