Theoretical concept on digitalisation of remote indian salt cultivators through “saline horse” information technology for livelihood upliftment

Common Salt (NaCl) is a mineral of universal distribution and an easily available commodity. Many countries are harnessing salt resources at various levels of magnitude, and the world salt production has crossed 260 million ton per annum. India with an annual production of 27.6 million ton ranks third after China and USA. In India, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan contribute to about 96 % of the Country’s salt production. Gujarat contributes 75 % to the total production, followed by Tamil Nadu (11 %) and Rajasthan (10 %). Other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Karnataka, West Bengal, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Diu & Daman also contribute to a small extent. Every year demand is increasing at a rate of 4-5% and by the year 2018 – 19 the requirement will be 28.40 million ton. This demand is mostly for catering the increasing capacity of salt based industries (chlorine, caustic soda and soda ash etc.).
Though India have organizations like Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Indian Salt Manufacturing Association (ISMA) and Salt Directorate, Salt Department Govt. of India (GOI) and other associations in various states yet digitalization as well as digital literacy of Indian Salt is far to achieve. Present paper propose theoretical concept to empower the remote salt workers in unorganized sectors to though “Saline Horse” Information technology for promote digital literacy, e-commerce, e-knowledge recourse. Paper discuss about models for creating a unique platform for the Indian salt producers in organized and unorganised sectors of salt work.