Ayeyawady Region salt production hits 30,100 tonnes in 3 months; El Niño boosts prospect

Thirty thousand and one hundred tonnes of sun-dried salt were produced in Ayeyawady Region in three months, and a yearly production of 165,000 tonnes is forecast for this salt season, thanks to El Niño, said the salt businesses in Ayeyawady Region.
Coarse salt is delivered to Yangon Region, while fine salt is distributed to its markets along the Ayeyawady River.
“A total of Thirty thousand and one hundred tonnes were produced in three months of this year’s salt season from January to March. Coarse salt is mainly supplied to Yangon Region. Fine salt is distributed to its markets along the Ayeyawady River. It is transported by trucks. Due to El Niño, a yearly production of 165,000 tonnes is forecast for this salt season if the weather conditions permit.
This year’s production can be better than last year,” said a salt entrepreneur.
Ayeyawady sun-dried salt is mainly produced in March, April and May, and if the weather is fine, more salt is produced in April and March.
“If the weather is fine in April, production is good. It is also good in March. The hotter the weather, the better the production. Due to El Niño this year, the yield can be better. As this business is based on nature, if the weather is not good, the production declines. This year, it is expected to be a better production,” he added.
A viss of coarse salt costs K150 in the market and K250 for fine salt.
“The price is not stable. Right now, a viss of coarse salt costs K150 and that of fine salt K250. With better weather conditions and more production, the price is on a downward trend. At present, the price may increase, but with higher production, it can fall. Salt producers cost a little more this year, and the price has to catch up with this rising cost,” he said.
Although it rained in Ayeyawady during the 2021-22 salt season, over 101,000 tonnes of sun-dried salt were produced, and with better weather conditions in 2022-23, the production increased to 142,000 tonnes. — MT/ZN/Ed