India is an endless source of unique experiences, colour and people! During my visit there in January 2017, I had the opportunity to visit the salt flats on the Little Rann of Kutch near Dasada, not far from the Arabian Sea. This was a fascinating experience although it was obvious that it is difficult way of life.

The Rann of Kutch (Rann means desert) is located in the Thar Desert in Gujarat, India. It is a seasonal salt flat where 75% of the salt produced in India comes from. During monsoon season the Rann is submerged in salt water. As the water recedes the Agariya people, who have farmed these salt flats for centuries, set up square fields and pump briny groundwater into them. Natural evaporation leaves behind the salt crystals. As it forms the salt is continuously raked to produce smaller crystals which command a higher price

In winter the harvesting begins. Every 15 days about 12-15 tonnes of salt is harvested and sent to slat companies and chemical factories. It is difficult work in harsh conditions. The salt and fierce sun cause health problems including severe skin lesions and severe eye problems. Families live in shacks beside the salt pans for 6 - 7 months of the year then return to surrounding villages for the rest of the year.

The salt is raked into piles and loaded into bowls

Bowls are carried to a pile outside of the salt pan

The reflection of the sun off the salt is so intense that many people have eye problems. This woman has covered her face to cut down on the glare.

Salt is collected in piles and then sent to salt companies and chemical factories

Most people work in flip-flops because they can’t afford better footwear. Many people suffer from skin lesions

The Agariya people live in makeshift shacks beside the salt pans for 6-7 months of the year