[VIDEO] As Dear As Salt : A video explaining the issue by Reyna Sequeira http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWQZHje_y4A&feature=em-upload_owner#action=share 00:18:24
[AUDIO] https://archive.org/details/LaunchAsDearAsSalt Recording of the entire programme, July 21, 2013 at Panjim, Goa. 02:09:25 ========================================================== Goa traditional salt producers seek official action Panjim, Goa: Salt producers from diverse areas of Goa warned that their traditional sector from coastal Goa is in the "ICU" (intensive care unit), and called for speedy steps to help alleviate the "precarious" situation afflicting them. Advocate-cum-salt entrepreneur Govind U. Bhobe of Nerul, Bardez, explained how his initiative in the field had help to boost salt production from 1000 bags (of 75 kgs each) to 5000 bags within the same area itself. But this year itself, salt production was very low and even marketing was facing so many challenges, Bhobe said. "The government has done nothing (for salt)," he added, saying those in areca nut, cashew and diary were given subsidies but there was nothing for salt makers. "Do something. If not big, give some help. The government can offer a minimum support price," said Bhobe, seeking also for support to store salt "which cannot be stored in the house or in a hall". Vitobha Bhagli of Agarvaddo in Pernem, who comes from a village named for its salt making traditions, appreciated Dr. Reyna Sequeira, author of the book 'As Dear of Salt' for attracting attention via her thesis and book to what is considered a "backward village of backward people". "In our village, all the salt work is done by our own villagers (of Mithgawadas)," said Bagli. He said the government should consider placing the Mithgawadas under the OBC or ST category, so that its members could get some relief. Gregory Almeida, salt maker from Arpora (Bardez), said he and his small family could extract upto one tonne of salt in a day. He narrated how he learnt the art of salt extraction from villagers in Pernem. Yet, he said, the panchayat was pushing to convert his salt pan into a road, and sell out to builders. Speakers also pointed out to how the area producing salt in Goa was shrinking all the time. Author Reyna Sequeira, in an audio-visual on salt, suggested setting up a deputy salt commissioner exclusively for Goa, keeping careful statistics on Goa's salt production, storage facilities at the salt pans, a strict ban on conversion of salt pans for any other purpose, promoting eco-tourism in salt pans, maintaining sluice gates, providing infrastructure facilities for workers (including potable water and health-care), and a need for roads to transport salt. Chief minister Manohar Parrikar stressed that for any traditional trade to succeed, it needed both to be economically competitive as well as earn social respect. Some traditional occupations were no longer relevant to society, but salt would definitely continue to be, the chief minister said. Salt had a need for home-consumption as well as industrial purposes, he stressed. "The salt pans will have to compete with five-star hotels for earning money, then only will they survive," the CM added, pointing to harsh economic realities. The CM alluded to the reasons behind government delays in delivering on its promises, and look at gentle dig at media-persons, asking not to misunderstand his light-hearted comments. Speaking earlier, principal Bhaskar Nayak of Government College, Quepem, praised research which was socially relevant, and said fifty percent of his college staff had their PhDs. The GCQ organised Sunday morning's well-attended function at the Directorate of Arts & Culture in Panjim. ### Contact the author: sequeira_re...@yahoo.co.in 9822055871 or +91-832-2770166