1. Background & Need
SABRAS Processing & Marketing Pvt. Ltd. (SPML) was established in 2007 by SAVE Pvt. Ltd. The initiative was aimed a small and asset-poor salt producers (Agariyas) in the Little Rann of Kutch, where nearly 7,000 families produce about 15% of India’s salt. A 2005 CARE-supported study, The Pinch of Salt, revealed harsh working conditions and extreme economic injustice — producers received only 8 paisa per kg (about 1% of the final market value). SABRAS was initiated to improve working conditions and ensure fair price realisation through value chain participation.

2. Key Interventions
Operating in 10 villages of Halvad and Dhrangadhra talukas (Surendranagar district), SABRAS adopted a holistic approach focusing on livelihood security and infrastructure development. Major interventions included:

• Mobile shelters for 280 migrant families
  19 multipurpose community shelters
  Improved salt production tools to reduce drudgery
  Windmills reducing energy costs by nearly 50%
  Establishment of a Community Resource Centre (CRC)
  Geo-hydrological study covering 80 sq. km
  Training of 12 local entrepreneurs (Udyamee Mitra)

3. Producer-Owned Enterprise Model
To ensure better income, SPML was formed with 65% equity held by salt producers and 35% by SAVE Pvt. Ltd. The company procured salt at 25% higher prices than traders and marketed 10,200 tonnes in 2007–08, with plans to scale up to 20,000 tonnes annually.

4. Partnerships & Impact
The programme received support from CARE, Government of Gujarat, and technical institutions such as CMCRI, EDII, NIF, Tata Chemicals Ltd., ACT, and GIAN. SABRAS demonstrates how social infrastructure combined with producer ownership can improve income, reduce exploitation, and restore dignity for salt-producing families.