Farmers engaged in traditional salt pan cultivation will reportedly receive Rs one lakh each as financial assistance under the Salt Pan Conservation, Support and Revival Scheme of the state government. While this move is a welcome sign, it is only a small step towards the much-needed support for salt pan farmers. Salt pans, once an integral part of the state’s economy, are facing severe decline. In recent years, the profession has experienced a sharp downfall, mainly due to unregulated land development, encroachment on salt pan areas, and a lack of support for the industry.
A crucial step in supporting salt pan farmers is the establishment of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for salt to ensure that farmers are paid a fair price for their produce. Salt produced in the salt pans should be made available in government outlets and malls. Other efforts should include building modernised salt pans, introducing eco-friendly technologies, and facilitating the storage and transport of salt. The introduction of educational programmes on salt farming and offering subsidies or loans for young entrepreneurs to invest in salt farming can go a long way. The introduction of new technologies like solar-powered salt pans could make the profession more attractive to tech-savvy youngsters. It is time for Goa to come together, support its salt pan farmers, and bring this vital industry back to life.
