Salt farmers in Cox’s Bazar are facing a double blow this season—first from low market prices, and now from a sudden halt in production due to unseasonal rain and rough weather. For the past 4–5 days, salt fields across the district’s seven upazilas and Chattogram’s Banshkhali have come to a standstill.
Farmers report that heavy rainfall has not only disrupted the production process during its peak season but also damaged stockpiled salt on open fields, adding to their financial woes.
According to the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), salt was cultivated this season on 68,505 acres of land across Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Pekua, Chakaria, Eidgaon, Teknaf, and Banshkhali in Chattogram. As of yesterday, 1.84 million metric tons of salt have been produced over the last five months, against a seasonal target of 2.61 million metric tons.
Md. Zafar Iqbal Bhuiyan, Deputy General Manager of BSCIC’s Salt Industry Development Office in Cox’s Bazar, said production remains suspended due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, if the weather improves, production may continue through next month, allowing the industry to meet its annual target.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
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