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Editorial -- Export the glut
Government's assertion that it will assist the salt industry in "every way possible" to carve a niche for itself on the exports front needs to be taken with a pinch of salt literally. For, this is easier said than done especially at a time when recessionary conditions dog the international arena along with a slump in demand in user industries all over. Further, to eliminate the infrastructural bottlenecks, which are harming exports, will not be easy. However, indisputably it is imperative to provide an impetus to exports for ending the glut crisis facing the industry. This measure will ease the pressure off the price line as also improve the capacity utilisation levels of the salt refineries which have been idling for want of demand. Better traffic at the private ports will also be ensured. But since salt stands to lose value even during transportation by sea, the need is to integrate into higher-end and, value-added products. All this means higher investments in technology. For this, it should be ensured that the Kargil experience is not repeated.
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