Question map
Which of the following is/are the reason(s) behind Gujarat being the leading producer of Salt in India ? 1. The long length of coastline 2. Long duration of hot and dry conditions 3. Presence of gulf areas Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Gujarat is the leading salt producer in India, accounting for approximately 75% to 76% of the nation's total output. This dominance is attributed to several geographical and climatic factors. Firstly, Gujarat possesses the longest coastline in India, stretching about 1,600 km, which provides extensive access to seawater. Secondly, the state experiences a hot and dry climate with high temperatures and low humidity, which facilitates rapid solar evaporation of brine in salt pans. Thirdly, the presence of gulf areas, specifically the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat, along with the unique topography of the Rann of Kutch, provides vast, low-lying saline marshy flats and shallow basins ideal for large-scale salt crystallization. These natural advantages, combined with a long tradition of expertise, make the region highly conducive to the salt industry.
Sources
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > The Thar Desert > p. 46