crown

Subscribe Now

FOLLOW US

Sign in

The white fields: Farmers who get salt on to your plate

Salt manufactured at Thoothukudi is exported to a vast number of countries ranging from Qatar in the Middle East to Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam in the Far East.

Updated on: May 16, 2017 12:52 PM IST

Share via

Copy link

1/8

Labourers collects salt as they work on a salt pan at Thoothukudi some 160 kms south of Madurai. Salt manufactured here is exported to a vast number of countries ranging from Qatar in the Middle East to Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam in the Far East. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

Labourers collects salt as they work on a salt pan at Thoothukudi some 160 kms south of Madurai. Salt manufactured here is exported to a vast number of countries ranging from Qatar in the Middle East to Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam in the Far East. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

2/8

Karupasamy, empties a basket of salt as he works on a salt pan. These salt pans are spread over 25,000 acres in places such as Vembar, Kulathoor, Tharuvaikulam, Muthiapuram, Mullakadu and Arumuganeri. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

Karupasamy, empties a basket of salt as he works on a salt pan. These salt pans are spread over 25,000 acres in places such as Vembar, Kulathoor, Tharuvaikulam, Muthiapuram, Mullakadu and Arumuganeri. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

3/8

In the salt pan method of production, sea water is pumped into the salt pans and then allowed to evaporate. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

In the salt pan method of production, sea water is pumped into the salt pans and then allowed to evaporate. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

4/8

The production begins in the month of January and goes on till October . (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

The production begins in the month of January and goes on till October . (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

5/8

Thoothukudi is the major salt producer in Tamil Nadu with Vedaranyam following close on its heels. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

Thoothukudi is the major salt producer in Tamil Nadu with Vedaranyam following close on its heels. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

6/8

Labours periodically check the pans and sweep up the salt after the water crystallizes into salt. The salt is then dried up in mounds before being filled up in sacks and carted away. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

Labours periodically check the pans and sweep up the salt after the water crystallizes into salt. The salt is then dried up in mounds before being filled up in sacks and carted away. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

7/8

Labourer Thangam uses a metal rake as she works on a salt pan. In the past traders and exporters relied on Gujarat, which constitutes 65% – 75% of the total production in India. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

Labourer Thangam uses a metal rake as she works on a salt pan. In the past traders and exporters relied on Gujarat, which constitutes 65% – 75% of the total production in India. (ARUN SANKAR/AFP)

8/8

On an average, the labourers working in these salt pans earn up to two hundred and ninety rupees per day. (ARUN SANKAr/AFP)

Updated on May 16, 2017 12:52 PM

On an average, the labourers working in these salt pans earn up to two hundred and ninety rupees per day. (ARUN SANKAr/AFP)

Related Photos

Home/Photos/News/The White Fields: Farmers Who Get Salt On To Your Plate

© 2026 HindustanTimes