Mawlamyine, March (22)
The salt farmers in Mon State are concerned that unseasonal rain may damage salt fields and cause yield losses.
Last December and February, nearly all of the sun-dried salt field were destroyed and many viss of salt were lost by rain.
“Starting March 19, as there has been scattered rain across Mon State, salt fields are damaged and we may suffer losses,” the farmer said.
“We will definitely lose this year. We no longer wait for the big salt crystal to form. We harvest small crystal of salt. We use labor to do it. Now the production of salt is behind schedule due to drainage and field repairs,” he said.
Besides, as the storm approachs, the salt farmers are worried about the rain.
On the other hand, salt farmers face many difficulties in producing salt due to the high general costs, including the price of fuel oil.
“Repairing the field is labor-intensive. Fuel prices are rocketing so we can afford to buy oil by the gallon not barrel,” one of the farmers said.
At present, the salt production accounts for 30 % of the average yields. Due to a significant reduction in salt availability in the market, the price of raw salt has jumped to Ks 230 per viss.
In Mon State, the sun-dried salts are mainly produced in Paung, Thanbyuzayat and Ye townships yielding 40000 tons annually and it is exported to some Regions and States including Yangon and Mandalay.
News – Than Lwin Times