Cox’s Bazar, April 12, 2025: The domestic salt industry is now on the verge of collapse. Due to collusion among middlemen, mill owners, syndicates, and some officials of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), the price of salt has plummeted to a record low.

While the production cost per kilogram of salt ranges from 7 to 8 taka, it is being sold in the market for only 3 to 3.5 taka. As a result, farmers are losing hope of recovering their investments.

Despite expenses such as land rent, polythene purchases, and labor wages, salt farmers are now facing losses. Many are forced to sell salt at low prices, while others are stockpiling their produce in field pits or warehouses due to the price drop. Farmers say they have not faced such a crisis in the last 17 years.

On-the-ground reports reveal that last season’s salt remains stored in warehouses and fields across seven upazilas of Cox’s Bazar and Banshkhali in Chattogram. This stock could meet demand for several more months.

Yet, salt production continues in the fields this season and will last until May. According to BSCIC data, Cox’s Bazar produced 2,437,890 tons of salt in 2024, the highest in 64 years. In 2023, production was 2,233,000 tons.

Last year, the price of salt per maund (approximately 37 kg) was 380 to 400 taka but dropped to 290–300 taka by the end of the season. This season, prices have fallen further to just 3 taka per kg. Meanwhile, packaged salt is being sold in the market for 40 to 50 taka per kg. While middlemen and brokers profit from this massive price gap, farmers are being deprived.

Farmers allege that a powerful syndicate is pushing for salt imports from abroad. The government has permitted the import of 100,000 tons of salt under the pretext of Cyclone Remal, which farmers see as a threat to the local industry. At a recent meeting of the Cox’s Bazar Salt Farmers and Traders Struggle Council, strong resentment was expressed against this syndicate.

Farmers say, “If this continues, the salt industry will be destroyed. We demand urgent government intervention.” They have called for import restrictions and price stabilization. When contacted, BSCIC officials declined to comment on the matter.

If the government does not take immediate action to save the salt industry, farmers could face an even bigger crisis in the coming days.