Goa has a long history of producing salt from riverine estuaries which have tidal wave effects.
The sea water can be easily diverted to the saltpans with the operation of the unique sluice gates system.
Goa has favourable climatic conditions to make salt production in abundance during summer. The salt pans serve three purposes as it is used for agriculture in rains, post rains for pisciculture and in summer for producing salt in the most natural process.
During the Portuguese rule, salt produced from these pans was exported to other countries as it was of superior quality. Besides, it helped the Portuguese economy.
In fact, the British knew the importance of Goa’s salt and in 1878 the British signed a treaty with Portugal and monopolised the salt trade.
However, after the liberation of Goa, the once flourishing industry is dying a slow uncared death.
It’s sad to learn that an industry with a history of over 1000 years is facing the threat of extinction.
Sadly there seems to be no initiative by the government to save the salt pans.
The industry is now in doldrums after liberation due to the callous approach by the government.
Will our future generations see the salt pans, or will the salt producing fields be converted into concrete Jungles?
I am of the opinion that Goa’s Saltpans needs to be saved for posterity.
