BFAR launches salt industry project

Salt farmers harvest the mineral in Dasol, Pangasinan on Thursday, March 9, 2023. INQUIRER.net/Jean Mangaluz

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday launched the Development of Salt Industry Project, or “Oplan Asin,” to revitalize the country’s salt industry and production. The project was inaugurated in salt-producing Dasol, Pangasinan.

BFAR Director Demosthenes Escoto said in a statement that the project will prioritize the participation of local salt producers and revive the industry.

Prior to the launch, a consultative dialogue with Dasol salt farmers was led by the offices of Senator Cynthia Villar and Senator Nancy Binay, Dasol local government, and the BFAR.

One of the reasons the farmers cited for the weakening of the salt industry was the Republic Act No. 8172, or the Asin law passed in 1995, which mandated that local salt must be iodized, a process that was difficult for local farmers due to lack of support services. —JEAN MANGALUZ