Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Raising a strong appeal for the protection and revival of Goa’s traditional salt-making industry, Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai urged the government to declare salt pans as protected areas and provide incentives to salt makers to sustain this centuries-old occupation.
Supporting MLA Viresh Borker’s proposal to make Batim a model village for traditional salt production, Sardesai emphasized the need to recognize and promote Goan salt as a cultural and historical heritage product. Citing the example of Japan, where traditional bamboo salt is sold for $100 per 250 grams, he stressed that Goan salt has immense potential if given the right branding and market support.
However, Sardesai expressed concern over the rapid disappearance of salt pans, particularly in places like Arpora, where they have been converted into land for five-star hotels. He demanded an assurance from the government that salt pans would be declared as protected areas and never converted in the regional plan. He further urged the government to declare the nine villages still practicing traditional salt-making as protected villages and introduce incentive schemes to support and promote this industry.
Highlighting the critical role of dykes in protecting Goa’s salt pans and low-lying areas, Sardesai called for a 30-year long-term plan to safeguard them, drawing lessons from the Netherlands’ expertise in dyke management.
Sardesai criticized the government’s lack of long-term commitment, stating, “The real issue is whether the government has the will to act. This shouldn’t be just another one-day session where the Chief Minister comes, speaks, and forgets everything. Declaring the villages as protected and providing incentives is the only way to ensure the survival of this traditional occupation and motivate the youth to continue it.”
