Rains add to the woes of Srikakulam salt farmers

Salt in 3,000 acres damaged Srikakulam: Salt farmers in the district are facing losses due to heavy rains that have lashed the district for the past three days. Farmers of some 20 villages surrounding Naupada of Santhabommali mandal in the district that has a coastline of 193 km depend on salt farming for their livelihood. The salt produced here is supplied to many places in the State, besides being exported to other states. As the area is adjacent to the coast, the farmers here show keen interest in salt farming rather than growing paddy. Whole families strive hard for nearly six months and produce salt by May or June. Nearly 10,000 labourers depend on the production of salt for their livelihood. The farmers deplored that salt in nearly 3,000 acres has been damaged in the rains and urged adequate compensation.