Cox’s Bazar remains a key hub for salt production in Bangladesh, often referred to as the “white gold” of the region.
Salt farmers are preparing for the new season, anticipating full-scale production to start after mid-November, as the risk of cyclones or rain decreases.
Officials from the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) have confirmed this timeline, estimating that widespread salt production will begin across the district in 10 to 15 days.
On Friday, early signs of activity were visible in Moheshkhali, where farmers have already started working in the salt fields.
Notable salt-producing areas, including Moheshkhali, Dhalghata, Matarbari, Kalarmarchhara, Hoanak, Kutubjum, Boro Moheshkhali, Chhoto Moheshkhali, and Shaplapur, are beginning to show signs of life as the season kicks off.
Similarly, Kutubdia has also seen early salt farming, with fields in Khurushkul, Varuakhali, and Choufaldandi preparing for production.
Local farmers report that they have already prepared nearly 70% of the fields in Kutubdia, 50% in Pekua, 10% in Teknaf, and 40% in Bashkhali, Chattogram. Farmers from other areas have also begun field preparations in earnest.
BSCIC reports that the salt season generally begins in late November, with a production target of 2.61 million metric tons set for this year.
This marks an increase of 150,000 metric tons compared to last year’s target, reflecting growing demand and the sector’s potential.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
