Berhampur: Salt plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. It is the main source of sodium and chloride, the two most important minerals, in our diet. Salt has also played an iconic role in our freedom struggle, symbolised by Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha.
However, even after 71 years of Independence, the government does little for salt farmers who are slowly moving away from their traditional occupation as it is being given a raw deal, a report said.
Once well known, the salt farmers in places like Ganjam, Humma, Rambha, Surala and Sumandi in Ganjam district are now in distress. Owing to lack of government support, they prefer to work as bonded labourers to earn a living. Acres of farmlands used for salt farming have now turned into patchy grasslands for grazing cattle.
Ganjam is the state’s major salt-producing district. Tonnes of salt are produced in the district ever year.
“If the government does not take quick steps to mitigate our problems, salt production in Ganjam will be severely hit,” some farmers said, adding there is an urgent need for government intervention to help salt producers.
While the government lays stress on paddy and vegetable cultivation, little is done for salt farming. Prices of daily essentials go up with time, but salt price has remained the same.
Adding to their woes, natural disasters like cyclones, floods and unseasonal rains have been ruining salt production for the last four years. However, the administration does little to intervene and streamline the salt industry in the aftermath of the natural disasters.
“Forget about compensation for loss, officials do not even show up to console us,” an old farmer Brundaban Sahu said, adding salt production would be doubled if the administration provides support.
Normally, it takes four to five days to produce salt from sea water. Farmers leave sea water in bounded areas and let it evaporate under the sun. The precipitated granules are then collected and salt is extracted.
Earlier, electric motors were used in the extraction process. However, for unknown reasons, the electricity department has stopped supplying power to the farmers.
“We have been running from pillar to post to bring the matter to the notice of the administration, but no one pays heed,” said a farmer Sudam Charan Jena. PNN
