The Indian government has recently banned all types of imports and transit from Pakistan with immediate effect. This step has been taken after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people lost their lives. Under this ban, the import of rock salt (Himalayan pink salt) has also been stopped, which mainly came from Khewra mine in Pakistan.

India has recently banned all types of imports from Pakistan, including the import of sendha namak (Himalayan pink salt). This salt is widely used in Indian homes in fasting, worship and Ayurvedic medicine. India imports about 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes of rock salt from Pakistan every year. In 2018-19, about 99% of India's total rock salt imports came from Pakistan. Now the question arises that how will India ensure the supply of this essential commodity. Where will India now get the rock salt used daily in every household?

India's dependence on rock salt

Although India has reduced rock salt imports from Pakistan since 2019, about 99.7% of imports still come from Pakistan. Domestic processing units are in Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Hyderabad, which meet the limited demand.

Rock salt will be ordered from these countries

India can now consider importing rock salt from countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Australia. High quality rock salt is also available in these countries. However, the cost of import from these sources can be high.

India has deposits 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 impact?

There is a possibility that rock salt prices may increase slightly, but it can be stabilized through long-term solutions and alternative sources. With the cooperation of the government and the industry, it can be ensured that consumers do not face any inconvenience.

Despite the ban on imports from Pakistan, India has several options to ensure the supply of rock salt. With the cooperation of the government and the industry, it can be ensured that consumers do not face any inconvenience.

PC:TV9Bharatvarsh