Govt moves to secure GI tag for traditional salt

Panaji: The Goa State Council for Science and Technology (GSCST) filed an application for a geographical indication (GI) tag for Goan local salt. The council, which is the nodal agency for the application, is now moving to the next stage of the process by proposing the formation of an association of local salt producers, which will act as the formal applicant body under the GI framework.

To take this initiative forward, GSCST invited all Goan local salt producers, along with owners or lessees engaged in salt production, to participate in a consultative meeting scheduled for Feb 5.


The primary objective of the meeting is to discuss the GI application already filed and to deliberate on the formation of a representative association of salt producers to collectively steer the process ahead.

Traditional Goan salt is produced in salt pans, locally known as ‘mitagor’, using artisanal methods that rely on sun evaporation of seawater, minimal mechanical intervention, and deep knowledge passed down through generations of salt farmers.

Historically, Goan salt played a vital role in local diets, fish preservation, and trade, especially before the advent of large-scale refined salt production.

However, over the past few decades, the number of active salt pans declined sharply due to factors such as urbanisation, labour shortages, and competition from cheaper iodised salt. Many ‘mitagors’ therefore fell into disuse, raising concerns about the survival of this traditional occupation.

The proposed GI tag is expected to help distinguish Goan local salt from mass-produced varieties. Such a status would also legally protect the name ‘Goan local salt’ from being misused outside the state.

The Feb 5 meeting will be held at Pandit Deendayal Bhawan, and will begin at 11am.