Karwar: The unseasonal rains over the past few days have affected salt production in Gokarna. Even though it is sunny, torrential showers have resulted in a reduction in production of salt.

Gokarna is known for its salt production for the last three centuries. The naturally formed iodised and iron content salt is in great demand across South India.

However, the constant drizzle has meant that salt production is not up to its normal levels. It takes 100 days for production of natural salt, however during this time if the region receives more than two mm of rainfall than the salt cycle gets affected.

This season, which saw strong winds and rain has resulted in over 8,000 tonnes of natural salts here being unable to be harvested, Nagarabail Salt owners Co-operative President Arun Nadkarni said.

“Gokarna is one of the oldest and largest salt producing centres in the State. The families here have been producing salt since 1720 in over 565 acres of land,” he said.

Though there are several large companies retailing, their brand of ‘pure iodised salt, they cannot compete with the naturally formed salt of the Gokarna in purity. Without any publicity and marketing, the salt from here is high in demand.

Majority of stores in Dharwad, Shivamogga and Belagavi district sell salt produced here, he said.