India’s recent ban on all imports from Pakistan, including rock salt (Himalayan pink salt), has sparked concerns about the supply of this household staple, widely used in fasting, rituals, and Ayurvedic treatments. India imports around 2,500 to 3,000 tons of rock salt annually from Pakistan, which accounted for 99% of its rock salt imports in 2018-19. With this critical supply chain disrupted, the question looms: where will India source rock salt to meet daily needs? “The ban poses a short-term challenge, but viable alternatives exist,” says industry expert Rajesh Mehta.

Though India reduced its reliance on Pakistani rock salt post-2019, 99.7% of its imports still come from Pakistan’s Khewra mines. Domestic processing units in Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and Hyderabad meet only limited demand. To bridge the gap, India is exploring imports from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Australia, where high-quality rock salt is available, albeit at potentially higher costs. Within India, states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh have rock salt reserves. Himachal’s Mandi district produces small quantities, and Rajasthan’s Sambhar Lake offers some supply. The government could boost domestic production by promoting mining in these regions, though this requires time and investment.

The ban may lead to a temporary price hike for rock salt, but long-term solutions like alternative imports and increased domestic output could stabilize the market. “Collaborative efforts between the government and industry can ensure consumers face no disruptions,” notes economic analyst Priya Sharma. India, the world’s third-largest salt producer, generates 96% of its common salt in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. By scaling up local rock salt mining and establishing new import channels, India can overcome this challenge, ensuring that rock salt remains a fixture in every kitchen.