What once sustained thousands of salt farmers in Cox’s Bazar—the intense midday sun—has now been replaced by relentless rain, bringing the local salt industry to a near standstill.
The vast salt fields, which used to shimmer with what farmers call “white gold,” are now submerged in rainwater. The halt in production before the season’s end has severely impacted the livelihoods of thousands of families.
A visit to salt fields in Khurushkul, Chaufaldandi, Napitkhali, and Islampur reveals a grim picture. Black polythene sheets lie scattered across waterlogged fields, while a few workers stand silently, reflecting despair. Rainwater has washed away the salt that farmers like Sarwar, Abdul Halim, and Abul Hossain had painstakingly produced.
More than 40,000 people are directly involved in the salt industry in the district. According to the Cox’s Bazar Salt Industry Development Office, the main loss this season has come from halted production rather than direct damage to harvested salt.
Deputy General Manager Md. Zafar Iqbal Bhuiyan said that, although sudden rain does not always completely destroy salt, the halt in production has caused significant losses. With operations suspended for about 12 days, the shortfall has reached nearly 300,000 metric tonnes based on average daily output.
He added that if rainfall decreases as forecast, dry conditions and heat may return, allowing production to resume.
Despite repeated setbacks, salt farmers remain resilient. After every failed season, they return to the fields, lay out polythene sheets again, and wait for the water to dry—hoping the next day will bring better weather and renewed opportunity.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
