India has recently banned all types of imports from Pakistan, including imports of rock salt (Himalayan Pink Salt). This salt is widely used in fasting, worship and Ayurvedic medicine in Indian homes.
India imports about 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes of rock salt per year from Pakistan. In 2018-19, about 99% of India’s total rock salt import came from Pakistan. Now the question arises as to how India will ensure the supply of this essential commodity. Where will India ask for the rock salt used daily in every house?
India’s dependence for rock salt
Although India has reduced the import of rock salt from Pakistan since 2019, but still about 99.7% imports from Pakistan. Domestic processing units are in Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Hyderabad, which meets a limited amount of demand.
Rock salt will be asked from these countries
India can now consider importing rock salt from countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Türkiye and Australia. High quality rock salt is also available in these countries. However, the cost of imports from these sources may be higher.
India has reserves of rock salt in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. The government can encourage domestic production by promoting mining in these areas. However, this process demands time and investment.
What will be the effect?
There is a possibility that the prices of rock salt may increase slightly, but it may stabilize through long -term solutions and alternative sources. In collaboration with the government and industry, it can be ensured that consumers do not have any kind of inconvenience.
Despite the ban on imports from Pakistan, India has several options to ensure the supply of rock salt. In collaboration with the government and industry, it can be ensured that consumers do not have any kind of inconvenience.