COX'S BAZAR: Salt stocks worth Tk 7.5 million had been washed away recently in the district in flooding that occurred due to heavy rain, people involved in salt production said.
According to salt farmer Abdul Quader, as per a rough estimate, around 50,000 metric tonnes of salt, which kept in the open near saltpans, was destroyed by gusty winds, rain and flooding from Ukhiya to Teknaf of Cox's Bazar.
"Its market value is close to Tk 7.5 million (75 lakh)," said Mostafa Kamal Chowdhury, president of the district salt producers' association.
Other salt producers said that a nor'wester accompanied by rain and gusty wind swept over different parts of the district recently and due to its impact heavy rain continued from April 21 to 23.
This unseasonal rain had halted cent per cent salt production along the coast, they added saying that there were no sustainable warehouses in the district for storing salt.
This correspondent has recently found that hundreds of salt farmers in Teknaf's Sabrang, Hnila Alikhali, Chowdhury Para, Ulukhali, Maulvi Kata, Huaikshyang's Nayabazar, Kharangkhali Ulubuniya, Ukhia's Palangkhali and Kachubaniya have been collecting or storing the rest of their produced salt.
The salt piles were seen covered up with polythene so that it does not get damaged in rain.
According to Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), the farmers are stockpiling the already produced salt on high places in fear of Kalbaishakhi storm-rain.
BSCIC Cox's Bazar Salt Industry Development Project Deputy General Manager Zafar Iqbal said, "Salt production this year is better than previous years since heat flow situation has been decent throughout the season."
"If it did not rain in the middle, we might surpass the target production. Salt is being cultivated in 75,291 acres of land using polythene technology, which increased production by 25-30 per cent more," he added.
"If there is no more rain till May 15, and salt production continues, the target may still be achieved," he also added.
