Heavy rains cast a shadow over unsold salt stocks in Vedaranyam

Heavy rains associated with the Northeast monsoon have caused concern among salt producers in Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, with around 1.15 lakh tonnes of salt remaining unsold after an unusually high production season.Salt production in the region reached approximately 2.25 lakh tonnes this year as against the normal annual output of 1.75 lakh tonnes because of prolonged summer. However, the higher output has resulted in glut and a steep fall in market prices.With the onset of the Northeast monsoon, salt production in the region has come to an end. According to producers, nearly 1.10 lakh tonnes of salt have been sold so far while about 1.15 lakh tonnes remain in stock.The price of salt, which normally stands at around ₹1,200 a tonne, has fallen to between ₹600 and ₹800 a tonne. Unable to bear the additional costs of production and storage amid the falling prices, several producers had stopped production months ago.Salt producers are now concerned that continued heavy rainfall could damage the accumulated stocks and cause more losses.“We usually cover the heaps of salt with tarpaulins to protect them from rain. But with large quantities of unsold stocks and limited storage facilities, we are worried that heavy rain could cause losses,” A. Vedarathinam, president of Vedaranyam Salt Manufacturers and Merchants Association, said.They hope the demand will pick up during the rainy season, helping prices recover and enabling them to clear their accumulated stocks. Published - October 25, 2026 08:40 pm IST