In a significant development for Cambodia’s agricultural sector, Kampot province’s salt producers are set to achieve a production landmark, with an expected output of 100,000 tonnes this season. This increase in production is a result of concerted efforts by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Innovation and Technology (MISTI) in collaboration with local authorities and industry stakeholders to implement structural reforms aimed at enhancing yield sizes, improving logistical efficiencies, and securing better sales prices for local producers.
Kampot is home to 3,489 hectares of salt farms and boasts a robust infrastructure comprising 560 salt warehouses. This network is a critical factor behind the province’s ability to potentially produce around 100,000 tonnes of salt annually, marking a significant jump from the 78,000 tonnes reported in the 2023 harvest season.
Sim Nary, acting director of the Department of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, highlighted the sector’s vital role in providing sustainable employment to 1,474 individuals in Kampot, contributing significantly to the region’s economic stability. The salt farms, which operate between four to six months each year, are instrumental in meeting both local and national salt demands.
Looking ahead, projections suggest that Kampot’s salt farms could yield over 110,000 tonnes annually, sufficient to satisfy Cambodia’s salt consumption needs. In recent discussions with salt producers from Kampot and Kep provinces, MISTI Minister Hem Vandy emphasized the strategic importance of salt in various industrial applications and encouraged producers to seek new market opportunities, particularly in the industrial salt segment.
Further, MISTI’s strategic plan for 2022-2026 aims to enhance the salt industry through production diversification, agritourism, and environmental conservation initiatives. The introduction of Geographic Indicators (GI) for Kampot salt is set to open up lucrative export avenues to European and US markets, leveraging the unique certification for higher export prices.
Additionally, MISTI is exploring the establishment of SME clusters to streamline operations and improve profitability for salt producers through cooperative business models. These clusters would offer comprehensive support services, including logistics, customs clearance, and financial advisory, fostering a more cohesive and efficient industry ecosystem.
Source: Khmer Times
