In the Little Rann of Kutch, nearly 7,000–10,000 Agariya families — traditional salt producers working in extreme temperatures (4°C to 50°C) — depend entirely on seasonal salt production. Earlier, they used diesel pumps to draw brine from 10–70 feet depth, spending ₹50,000–70,000 per season per salt pan. Due to lack of working capital, most families borrowed from traders and pre-sold their salt at low prices, remaining trapped in debt.

To address this, SABRAS Processing & Marketing Pvt. Ltd., promoted by SAVE, introduced solar pumps designed for saline desert conditions. The initiative has been supported by NABRAD, First Light Venture (USA), Association for India’s Development (AID USA), GETCO Ltd., GACL Education Society, GRUH Finance Ltd., and the Government of Gujarat under its 80% subsidy scheme.

Beneficiary Profile

• Small and marginal Agariya families
• Mostly asset-poor and dependent on seasonal income
• Operating small salt pans (paatas) in remote desert areas
• Limited access to formal banking and credit

Impact

• Savings of ₹50,000–70,000 per season
• Freedom from diesel dependence and moneylenders
• Ability to sell salt at better market prices
• Increased income stability and asset ownership

Between 2016 and 2022 the company installed 362 solar pumps, benefiting Agariya families. The initiative demonstrates how renewable energy and community-based finance can strengthen livelihoods and dignity for traditional salt producers