This year’s salt production in the country has soared to 22.34 lakh tonnes, marking the highest output recorded in the past 63 years since its inception.
According to a press release from the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) on Monday, the ongoing season has witnessed the production of a total of 22,34,658 tonnes of salt, setting a new record surpassing all previous records. Last year, the country’s crude salt production amounted to 22.32 lakh tonnes.
BSCIC noted that with favorable environmental conditions, an additional 3-4 lakh tonnes of salt could potentially be produced before the season’s end in May. Additionally, BSCIC data reveals a rise in total salt cultivation by 1,933 acres this season compared to last year, totaling 66,424 acres, coinciding with the prevailing heatwave across the country.
The number of salt farmers has seen a notable rise, reaching 40,695 individuals, marking an increase of 1,228 compared to the previous period. Presently, the field-level average price of crude salt per maund stands at Tk312, marking a decrease from Tk420 recorded last year.
Aligned with the directives of the National Salt Policy-2022, BSCIC plays a pivotal role as the patron of the salt industry in Bangladesh. Since the inception of planned salt production in the country in 1961, BSCIC has been instrumental in its organized development.
Under the aegis of the Salt Industry Development Program Office situated in Cox’s Bazar, BSCIC extends comprehensive support to salt farmers across all upazilas of Cox’s Bazar and Banshkhali of Chattogram through its 12 salt centers. This includes providing essential training, facilitating access to necessary loans, and offering technological assistance to enhance productivity and efficiency in salt production.
