Cambodia requires 70,000 to 100,000 tonnes of salt for domestic use each year; farmers have so far harvested over 90,000 tonnes of the commodity in 2024. Yousos Apdoulrashim
Salt production in Kampot province has reached over 90,000 tonnes so far this year, an increase of more than 10,000 tonnes compared to the entirety 2023, thanks to favourable weather conditions.
The province, known for its salt, has an area spanning more than 3,489 hectares dedicated to local supply.
According to Kampot provincial governor Mao Thonin, 1,474 people, organised into 171 groups across six centres, are involved in the commodity’s production.
He said that for the whole of 2024, output is expected to reach 93,906 tonnes, ensuring sufficient supply for the country. However, he noted that harvesting is heavily influenced by natural factors.
“Salt fields rely on heat from the sun, and if the weather is favourable with no storms, our salt yields are very good. Our people in the six centres have excellent expertise in salt production,” he said.
Thonin emphasised that the fields are supported and conserved as they are important to the national identity and the identity of the province.
“If the climate is good, we will encourage our [people] to increase production to meet domestic demand, so the country does not need to import,” he said.
“We gain many benefits from this and aim to strengthen our producers’ will and dedication,” he added.
In 2023, the province collected 78,484 tonnes of salt. Harvesting occurs from the end of December to mid-May each year. If the weather is conducive, one hectare can produce an average of 20 tonnes annually.
The country requires between 70,000 to 100,000 tonnes each year to meet domestic demand. In addition to local supply, provinces bordering Thailand and Vietnam also import salt for sale, according to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Sok Long, a salt field owner, said that this year’s output increased significantly due to the hot, dry weather.
“This year, we [harvested] salt from January to April. Last year, production lasted only one month due to rain at the beginning of the year. This year's harvest is two to three times higher,” he said.
However, he said that although yields are good, prices are not as high as last year. He added that this year, the price for a 50kg bag of third grade salt is over 6,000 riel ($1.46), second grade is 8,000 riel ($1.95) and first grade is about 10,000 riel ($2.44), noting that the grade of salt depends on purity and crystal size.
