Bangladesh's salt production has achieved a significant milestone this year, reaching 22.34 lakh tonnes, the highest since production began 63 years ago.

"In the ongoing season (until 28 April), a total of 22,34,658 tonnes of salt has been produced, surpassing all previous records," stated a press release from the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) on Monday. Last year, the country produced 22.32 lakh tonnes of crude salt.

With the season (November-May) still ongoing, an additional 3-4 lakh tonnes of salt could potentially be produced if favorable environmental conditions persist, according to BSCIC.

Data from BSCIC indicates that total salt cultivation has expanded by 1,933 acres in the current season compared to 66,424 acres last year, coinciding with a heatwave sweeping across the country.

The number of salt farmers has also seen an increase, reaching 40,695, up by 1,228 from the previous period. The average price of crude salt per maund at the field level now stands at Tk312, compared to Tk420 last year.

Under the National Salt Policy-2022, BSCIC serves as the sponsor of the salt industry. Planned salt production began in the country in 1961.

The Salt Industry Development Program Office of BSCIC in Cox's Bazar provides training, necessary loans, and technology support to salt farmers across all upazilas of Cox's Bazar and Banshkhali of Chattogram through its 12 salt centers.