Summer weather leads to salt harvest boom

LINGAYEN, Pangasina, Philippines – The intense heat during summer can be bad for fishponds but it can be a boon for the salt  industry which accounts for the bulk of the province’s income.

Maximo Abesamis, who has been engaged in the processing of salt and bangus for decades, said the longer the dry season lasts, the greater the amount of salt production. 

Salt is produced naturally when sea water evaporates. Manufacturing of sea salt can only be done in areas with low rainfall. 

An extremely warm temperature strengthens the brines, expands salt concentration and produces higher yields.

“The problem with salt is if there is more production, the price goes down,” the 78-year old Abesamis said. 

A sack of salt, containing about 50 to 60 kilos, only costs about P190. 

Salt production season begins in December when rains are gone and ends in May as the country approaches the rainy season.   

Abesamis said unlike other commodities where one would consume more if price is low, that couldn’t be done with salt “because salt consumption must be balanced.” 

“Although price is low, if you need a tablespoon of salt in your food, you don’t just add another tablespoon,” he said. 

Pangasinan,  considered a gateway to northern Luzon, is a major producer of salt in the Philippines. Its major products include bagoong.

Meanwhile, Abesamis said summer heat has disadvantages on the growth and health of the fishpond industry. 

Temperature is most important for fish and other aquatic life in the pond.