Behera said the proposal was recently discussed at a meeting chaired by MSME department secretary, GK Dhal, who asked the director of industries to take immediate steps to develop a salt cluster.
Managing Director of Odisha Small Industries Corporation (OSIC), Partha Sarathi Mishra, who was present at the meeting, also suggested the government to frame a salt policy for development of salt industries in the state, official sources said.
The President of salt manufacturers’ association, Sanjay Modi said the development of a salt cluster will help in the upliftment of the industry.
Modi placed a series of demands at the meeting for improvement of salt industries, which included, among others, banning of unauthorized fishing activities in the salt fields of Surla-Sumandi belt. He also asked the department to help salt industries in digging up of borewell for getting sub-soil brine.
He said the government may take steps to provide grant in aid and other incentives to salt industries affected due to cyclone Phailin.
Source: Times of India