Salt harvesting: a viable venture in Thar

Rainwater accumulated in ponds, natural lake, evaporates, leaving thick layers of salt used in industrial processes

NAGARPARKAR:

Industrial salt has emerged as a thriving natural resource investment in the desert district of Tahrparkar, a leading industrialist told media persons during a study tour of Nagarparkar at the foot of Karoonjhar Mountains.

Salt is harvested through solar evaporation from rainwater brought by streams from the Karoonjhar Mountains flowing into a lake and other natural or artificial ponds. Water evaporates over period of moths leaving layers of salt which is transported to factories to be used in various industrial processes. Rains are essential for this industry. Rains bring greenery and prosperity to the Thar Desert.

Seasonal stream flow; gushing with water from heavens brought by the monsoon winds. The musical calls of peacocks fill the air. Livestock flourish as sandy planes turn green.

People of Tharparkar district sow lentils, millet, sorghum, cluster bean, vegetables and chilies. Millet seeds are used as staple food of the Tharparkar, due to non-availability of wheat, whereas cluster bean crop is considered to be a cash crop in Tharparkar. The fruits which are grown in the district include berries, kachri (a kind of wildly grown cucumber), water melons etc. However, intrepid entrepreneurs have tapped a new harvest in the sand-swept district rich in natural resources - salt.

In addition to coal and power generation, salt used in industrial production is also playing an important role in the economic development of Thar. Ankiru and Mokhai areas of Tharparkar district are famous for salt harvesting. A major buyer of salt harvested in Thar is in the Hub town of Balochistan. Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and the head of Hub Salt Refinery Ismail Sattar, told reporters during a study visit to Tharparkar that the salt production in the area not only provides cheap raw material to industries but also employment for the residents of impoverished district.

He said that the rains in Tharparkar are the main source of salt. Sattar said that his refinery has leased a large area to store rainwater. After rains, a natural lake forms over an area of 1,650 acres in the Mokhai village. After three to four months, evaporating water leaves almost four to five inch thick layer of salt. Labourers load this salt and store it in piles from where truckloads are transported to factory, Sattar explained.

The process of harvesting salt from the lake continues for around eight months. B y this time the lake dries up completely.

Sattar said that this salt is used in almost all industries, like fertilisers, textiles, dyeing and leather making. It is also used in the preparation of various industrial chemicals. He said that this salt is produced based on local demand. This sector of salt making in Thar is not only playing an important role in the industrial development of the country but this sector has made Thar the centre of economic activities.

He said that Thar has become an important economic area globally due to its location. If more attention is paid to the infrastructure development of Thar, this area can lead to an increase in the economic activities of the country.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2023.