Banskhali salt farmers worry over impending imports

The Banskhali salt farmers commenced salt production for the season with disappointment upon learning about salt imports. Despite facing challenges, the farmers in areas such as Chanua, Gandamara, Puichhari, Paschim Mankichar, Katharia, Saral, and Khankhanabad began new salt production. However, the aftermath of Cyclone Hamun slightly delayed their efforts.

During the 2022-2023 season, salt cultivation expanded to 66,291 acres, involving 39,467 farmers across 77 mauzas. The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) reported that the official salt production season runs from November 15 to May 15 of the following year. Due to increased government facilities and higher salt prices, farmers initiated early production this season.

For the 2023-2024 season, the national target for salt production is set at 2.528 million metric tons. Some farmers, like Abdul Malek in Chhota Chanua, have shifted from using sea water to extracting underground water for salt cultivation, resulting in higher yields.

Despite positive outcomes in the previous season, concerns arose among salt farmers due to news of impending salt imports. Farmers like Abdu Sukkur reported better prices for their salt last season when no imports occurred, motivating them to return to salt cultivation.

Allegedly, a group of mill owners is attempting to falsely convey a high demand and low production scenario to expedite salt imports. Salt farmers argue that there is no shortage, as the government has taken measures to curb dishonest practices, increasing import duties from 32% to 89% and providing loan facilities.

Previously, traders had exploited misdeclarations, importing millions of metric tons of sodium chloride disguised as sodium sulfate. To safeguard the interests of the salt industry and farmers, the government has undertaken steps to discourage excessive imports. BCIC has initiated a loan facility of Tk 50,000 with nominal interest, and farmers are also benefiting from subsidized agricultural loans of Rs. 153,000, boosting interest in salt cultivation.

As of the latest data, there are 213,920 metric tons of salt in the field, with millers having an additional 108,013 metric tons in stock, according to BSIC sources. Anshur Ali Talukder, President of Banskhali Salt Producers' Cooperative Society, expressed concern over the government's decision to allow the import of 100,000 tons of salt. He emphasized that excessive imports could discourage farmers from continuing salt production.

Deputy General Manager of BSCIC, Zafar Iqbal Bhuiyan, reassured that the government's decision to import 100,000 tons of salt would not negatively impact local salt farmers. He explained that the import is a precautionary measure to address potential shortages and ensure salt production for the 2023-2024 season begins before any market scarcity occurs. Consequently, there is confidence in averting a salt shortage in the country.