NAGAPATTINAM: Salt producers in Vedaranyam say they are on course to meet this year’s target of 1.75 lakh tonnes, as 85% of the target has already been achieved. Producers attribute the strong output to the intense summer heat.
Agasthiyampalli, Kodiyakkadu and Kadinalvayal are the major areas where salt is produced across nearly 3,000 acres by around 800 small-scale producers. Producers said that with north east monsoon expected only around October, they are hopeful of meeting the target. Last year, only around 40% of the normal target was achieved due to heavy rains.
The small-scale salt sector in Vedaranyam generally produces between 1.7 lakh and 2 lakh tonnes annually. Production begins in February and continues until October.
Two varieties-edible and industrial salt are produced in the region. Around 60% of the salt produced is edible and 40% industrial. The salt is supplied to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and various parts of Tamil Nadu.
Intermittent rains during the initial months of this season affected production. However, output improved significantly after persistent hot weather in May, while the continuing heat has further accelerated the evaporation needed for salt crystals to form. Salt manufacturers said at least a week of continuous sunshine is required after rainfall for proper crystal formation. To avoid the intense daytime heat, workers begin as early as 3 a.m. and harvest, collect and heap salt during the cooler morning hours, said producers.
“Although unseasonal rains earlier this season halted production for several weeks, intense heat over the past few months has significantly improved yield. If there are no further rains, we are confident of achieving this year’s production target before the season ends in October,” said P Sundaramoorthy, a small-scale salt producer.
V Senthil, secretary of the Small-Scale Salt Manufacturers’ Federation, said prices fluctuate on a day to day basis depending on demand, production levels. On average, Vedaranyam salt is sold for around Rs 1,000 per tonne, while producers harvest about 150 tonnes per acre a year.