A Study on Problems of Salt Pan Producers in the Coastal Areas of Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Thoothukudi district is the second largest producer of salt in India after Gujarat. The salt producers of Thoothukudi district employ more than 30,000 labours and producing approximately 25 lakh tonnes of salt every year during March to September.  However, in the last two years, salt production has significantly declined due to unexpected and prolonged rainfall in the area. This decline has adversely affected the livelihood of salt producers and has substantially reduced the overall productivity of the district. In this research paper an attempt is made to analyse the problems faced by salt producers in Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu. The study was made by the researcher about the difficulties faced by the salt pan producers in the study district under seven broad categories. To determine the severity and ranking of these problem, the Henry Garrett Ranking technique has been employed. The findings outcomes offer the key insights that can assist policymakers and stakeholders in creating effective measures to support salt producers and enhance sustainable salt production within the region.