In Mon State’s Thanbyuzayat Township, a shortage of salt workers may lead to reduced salt production during this year’s salt season, according to statements from local salt farmers.

Under normal weather conditions, if at least 15 workers are employed for salt farming, the process can yield between 15 and 17 salt extractions per season. However, a farmer from Panga Village reported that due to the limited number of workers, it now takes longer to transport the salt, potentially decreasing overall production.

He elaborated, saying, “Normally, salt extraction occurs every 12 to 14 days. In the past, with about 15 workers, the process would take around a day and a half or two days. But now, with only about five workers available, transporting the salt takes at least three days. This delay in transportation reduces the number of extractions and thus impacts production.”

Additionally, current weather conditions are affecting the process. Daytime heat has not been intense, and nights are colder than usual, which slows down salt production, according to the same farmer.

Salt workers face various difficulties, including travel challenges, and many have left for overseas jobs, leading to a decrease in the workforce. Some workers have also taken advance payments from salt farmers but failed to show up for work, exacerbating the labour shortage.

In some villages within Ye Township, such as Hnitkayin, Palaiki, and Abaw, salt production has come to a halt due to security concerns in the region. A local resident from Hnitkayin explained, “In Ye Township, the unstable situation has forced some salt farmers to move to other towns and villages. Those who remain are unable to continue salt production, causing operations to come to a standstill.”

Salt farming in Mon State typically begins in mid-September, with crude salt production starting around December and January. Panga Village in Thanbyuzayat Township has approximately 2,900 acres of salt fields. Under normal conditions, these fields can yield around 30 million viss (Myanmar unit of weight) of salt per season.

In addition to Panga Village, salt farming is also active in Kyaikkhami, Setse, and Wekalaung villages in Thanbyuzayat Township, as well as in Ye and Paung Townships in Mon State.