Kutch-made salt tablet makes Europe’s water pure, in demand in Gulf countries

Nimesh Khakhariya, Rajkot: At one time salt tablets, also known as sodium chloride tablets, had a Chinese monopoly, which is being competed by Kutch manufacturers. Sodium chloride tablet works to purify water and make it drinkable.

Only three manufacturers in Kutch have a monopoly on sodium chloride tablets across the country. Their export figures are impressive, though their demand is rarely seen in the local markets. The three manufacturers export about 7,000 tonnes of sodium chloride tablets a year to the UK, France, Germany, Italy as well as Gulf countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Dubai.

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Chinese sodium chloride tablets cost 120 120 to 200 200 per tonne while Indian tablets cost 120 120 per tonne. The tablet is also in high demand in some South American countries.

Salt tablets require the highest quality and premium double refined salt as a raw material. One tablet weighs between 7 and 15 grams. In European, Gulf and South American countries, water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. Such water can cause skin problems and hair fall. It leaves stains on sinks, utensils and bathtubs, besides reducing the efficiency of washing powders, soaps and shampoos.

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Water softening machines have also been installed in most of the houses and hotels in these countries, in which salt tablets are melted in the tank at regular intervals to make the water drinkable. Also many countries require hard water to avoid the risk of accidents like boiler blasts.

Anjar’s Vinod Soni, who took the initiative to manufacture salt tablets in India, said higher ship fares were hampering the sector’s growth. ‘While we are now competing with China and exporting 7,000 tonnes of tablets per year, the higher freight of the ship does not make it possible for us to export more. If it stays under control, we will be able to export more.

Inderjit Singh, another tablet maker in Gandhidham, said there was less but demand in the domestic market. ‘There is a big market for tablets in foreign markets. But gradually the people of India’s metro cities are also becoming aware of the benefits of using soft water.