Salt farmers in Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, are facing a severe crisis as an influx of imported salt disrupts the local industry.
Nearly every family in this region is involved in salt production, with an annual output of approximately 200,000 metric tons. However, a sharp decline in market prices has put the livelihoods of these farmers at significant risk.
According to local producers, the current price of salt stands at Tk300-Tk350 per maund, far below the production cost. They blame this drop on the excessive import of foreign salt, which they consider unnecessary given the country’s ample domestic production.
“Ever since imported salt entered the market, prices have plummeted,” lamented Abdul Mabud, a local salt farmer. “We can’t even cover our production costs anymore.”
Former two-time Member of Parliament Alomgir Mohammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid voiced similar concerns. He stated, “Importing foreign salt is damaging our local producers. Effective government intervention is necessary to safeguard the heritage industry of salt farming in Maheshkhali.
The struggling farmers are urging the government to ban salt imports and ensure fair prices for locally produced salt. They believe immediate action is crucial to protect their traditional livelihood and sustain the industry.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Rajin Saleh
