Date:19/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/19/stories/2005051903640500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Plea to increase iodised salt production

Correspondent

Strategy aimed at discontinuing common salt usage: Assistant Salt Commissioner.

KAKINADA: A two-pronged strategy is being adopted to encourage salt farmers to step up iodised salt production to cater to local requirement, and, at the same time, create demand and market facility for the product, according to A.K. Sharma, Assistant Salt Commissioner.

The strategy is aimed at increasing the iodised salt discontinuing the common salt in nine districts, including East Godavari, where usage of iodised salt is made compulsory in view of prevalence of diseases born out of iodine deficiency.

He said on Tuesday that the ban on usage of common salt in the selected districts where people were suffering from diseases due to iodine deficiency could not be effectively enforced owing to legal problems.

Women worst sufferers

He said a recent survey indicated that pregnant women were suffering from dangerous diseases and children becoming insane.

Mr. Sharma said his department had embarked upon a programme of creating awareness among salt ryots, and imparting training in modern techniques, besides helping them in reconditioning and putting in order their junked salt machines.