PANAJI/MAPUSA
While Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Legislative Assembly that salt pans will be declared as Biodiversity Heritage Sites, he also stated that the State government will explore ways to promote them for tourism.
“We will declare salt pans as Biodiversity Heritage Sites for its protection and conservation. There will be no development in these areas… We will also explore how they can be promoted for tourism,” he said.
The issue was raised by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar during the Question Hour, who inquired about the government’s plans to revive the salt industry and support farmers engaged in salt production.
Sawant also pledged to notify all salt pans and explore the potential for industrial use of salt, citing a significant decline in its consumption for food purposes over the years.
“We are taking all farmers on board and exploring the industrial applications of salt. A survey will be conducted within six months to identify the various salt pans and farmers involved in this industry,” Sawant stated during the session.
In response, Industry Minister Mauvin Godinho revealed in a written reply that a survey of operational salt pans was conducted in August 2024.
“Only 20 salt pans remain operational in the State, and we are looking into their industrial use,” the Chief Minister said.
However, Borkar pointed out that several salt pans in his constituency were not included in the government’s list.
Borkar also suggested making Batim a model village for traditional salt production while MLA Jit Arolkar supported the proposals, urging the government to examine financial schemes and pricing structures for salt farmers.
The Industry Minister further informed the House that under the 10th Five-Year Plan, the Government of India had sanctioned the "Namak Mazdoor Awas Yojana (NMAY)" scheme, which was later modified in the 11th Five-Year Plan as the "Modified Namak Mazdoor Awas Yojana (MNMAY)," aimed at constructing dwelling units for salt workers.
“The scheme was transferred to the Goa Handicrafts Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC), but there were no beneficiaries under the scheme,” Godinho added.
Highlighting the decline in the number of operational salt pans, Sawant attributed the trend to several factors, including reduced demand for sea salt due to the popularity of commercially branded iodized salt.
He noted that sea salt, which is sold in open markets without proper branding, has struggled to compete.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai warned against salt pans being sold for construction purposes. He further stressed the need to recognize Goan salt as a cultural and historical product, citing the example of Japan’s bamboo salt, which sells for $100 per 250 grams.
“Goan salt has immense potential if given the right branding and market support. The government must assure that salt pans are declared protected areas and never converted in the Regional Plan,” he said.
Sardesai further urged the government to declare the nine villages still practicing traditional salt-making as protected villages and introduce incentive schemes to sustain the industry.
