Assessment of salt farming practices in the Province Norte / Cris John T. Cacuyong, Ederlyn C. Suguitan

UTHESIS (Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering)

Bibliography: leaves 80-83

The Philippines, an archipelago with a rich tradition of salt making, has become a major importer of salt despite its history of self-sufficiency until 1995. Factors such as Republic Act 8172, or ASIN (An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide) Law, and changes in production capacity have led to increased reliance on imports. This study aims to assess the salt farming practices in Ilocos Norte. Data were collected from 33 salt farmers in Ilocos Norte using a survey questionnaire. The survey comprised five parts: socio-demographic profile, production practices and methods, packaging, distribution/marketing, and challenges encountered by the salt farmers. The socio demographic profile revealed that most salt farmers are married, average age of 55, and predominantly male, with over 20 years of experience. They primarily rely on salt making as their main income source, with many earning less than Php 10,000 monthly. Production typically starts in March, with daily output during peak season. All salt farmers utilized the cooking method, though brine preparation techniques vary. Estancia, Pasuquin, averages 1,175 kg per harvest using concentrated seawater mixed with salt crystal, while Davila, Pasuquin, averages 48 kg per harvest using filtered freshwater. Other areas, like Currimao and Badoc, produce 20-30 kg per harvest through concentrated seawater cooking. Packaging primarily involves plastic sacks. Salt farmers store salt for one week before marketing, mainly locally and to Manila, Isabela, and Cagayan. Challenges include weather issues, biomass shortages, and distribution difficulties, impacting the growth of salt businesses in Ilocos Norte.