Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 6: The Goa State government has announced a one-time grant of Rs 95 lakh for salt pan cultivators under the Salt Pan Conservation, Support and Revival Scheme, which will be implemented from the current financial year.

As per a notification issued by Director of Environment Sachin Dessai, Rs 75 lakh has been earmarked as direct financial assistance for traditional salt pan farmers. Under the scheme, 75 eligible cultivators will receive Rs 1 lakh each annually to support the continuation and revival of age-old salt-making practices.

The remaining Rs 20 lakh has been allocated towards institutional support, including Rs 10 lakh for salaries and Rs 10 lakh for office and administrative expenses of the proposed Salt Pan Support Unit, which will oversee the implementation and coordination of the scheme.

Launched in November 2025, the Salt Pan Conservation, Support and Revival Scheme focuses on restoring traditional salt pans and associated wetlands while transforming them into vital ecological assets.

The initiative aims to preserve Goa’s rich salt-making heritage, promote the production of high-quality bio-salt, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for traditional salt workers, many of whom have faced declining incomes and abandonment of salt pans in recent years.

As part of the initiative, the State government has also constituted a Special Task Committee to formulate policies for the conservation and revival of salt pans across Goa. The committee is conducting surveys to identify existing salt pans and assess their current condition.