Vedaranyam salt producers near 2026 target of 1.75 lakh tonnes

Salt producers in Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam district, say they are on track to meet this year's target of 1.75 lakh tonnes, having already achieved 85% of it. They attribute the strong output to intense summer heat. The major salt-producing areas are Agasthiyampalli, Kodiyakkadu and Kadinalvayal, where nearly 3,000 acres are worked by around 800 small-scale producers. Production runs from February until October, and producers say that with the northeast monsoon expected only around October, they are hopeful of meeting the target. Last year, heavy rains led to only about 40% of the normal target being achieved. The small-scale salt sector in Vedaranyam generally produces between 1.7 lakh and 2 lakh tonnes annually. Two varieties — edible and industrial salt — are produced.