The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Hon. Presiding Member, the Adjournment Motion brought by the Hon. Imran Maharoof is timely.

¶ 02 Kinniya is a densely populated area, and many are engaged in salt production. We have seen times when salt had to be imported. Not only in Kinniya, but in various districts, people can engage in salt production suited to their localities. If we promote local production, those areas will develop, a national need will be met, unnecessary imports curtailed, and foreign exchange earnings improved.

¶ 03 As I noted, Kinniya has a large population and abundant potential for salt production. By providing proper training to utilize these resources, and extending loan facilities similar to those given to farmers, many will gain employment opportunities. Therefore, I kindly request the Hon. Minister to consider this timely Motion, send a special team to study, prepare work plans, allocate funds from next year’s budget, and take constructive steps to provide all necessary facilities to the salt producers there. Thank you.