CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES OF SALT FARMING IN OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, PHILIPPINES

Abstract
This study drew the profile of the salt farm owners and farmers in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines; their salt production characteristics in terms of salt farm size, material used for salt beds and intended use of the salt produced and post-harvest practices. It also identified the constraints and challenges faced by the salt farm owners and farmers. Key Informant Interview using an interview guide was used to gather data from 52 salt farm owners/farmers. Results of the study indicate that the salt farm owners and farmers are males, between 41-55 years old married and belong to large households. The salt production area is 10 hectares or less, clay (from Vigan) and stones are used to line the crystallizers, and salt produced include agricultural grade salt for the coconut fertilization, yellow quality raw salt for bagoong and dried fish production, cleaning purposes, green quality raw salt for human consumption, iodized salt for human consumption (table salt), washed and refined salt for human consumption (table salt) and food industries (chips, biscuits). Findings of the study also revealed that majority of the salt farmers did not own a warehouse to store their salt and used sacks to package the salt. It is recommended that the Occidental Mindoro Salt Industry Road Map be translated into reality by providing government support to the industry in the form of research and development projects and programs on salt production, post-harvest, logistics and marketing strategies, provision of loan facility to augment capitalization and encourage industry-academe and government line agencies collaboration for an inclusive Occidental Mindoro Salt Industry revitalization.