Development in the direction of multi-value

For generations, salt has not only been an essential spice but also a product crystallized from nature and the sweat and effort of salt farmers. The white salt fields stretching across Bac Lieu, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Nam Dinh... not only provide salt for daily needs but also reflect the unique cultural values ​​of coastal communities.

However, the Vietnamese salt industry is facing many serious challenges such as: Unstable salt prices, unstable output, and difficult lives for salt farmers; Fierce competition from imported salt, especially cheap industrial salt; Climate change alters natural conditions, affecting production; Lack of strong enough support mechanisms, making it difficult for the salt industry to develop sustainably.

In that context, orienting the development of the salt industry towards multi-value, combining production innovation, preserving traditional crafts and comprehensive support policies is the key to helping salt farmers stabilize their livelihoods and enhance the value of Vietnamese salt grains.

First, it is necessary to change the way of thinking and develop salt in a multi-value direction. Instead of focusing only on raw salt production, the salt industry needs to switch to products with higher added value, suitable for modern market needs.

Second, it is necessary to diversify salt products. Currently, many businesses and localities have tested specialty salt models that bring higher value such as: Pure salt, industrial salt for food, medical, and chemical processing; Mineral salt, medicinal salt used in health care, spa, salt therapy; Organic salt, specialty salt aimed at high-end and export markets.

The models of Bac Lieu tarpaulin salt, Hun Hue bamboo salt, and Nam Dinh medicinal salt have proven that when salt is produced according to high standards, its economic value also increases significantly.

Third, from the current development reality, to increase value, it is necessary to combine salt production with experiential tourism, then the products will be approached from a different perspective.

In fact, in many countries such as Japan, Korea, and Thailand, the salt tourism model has helped this industry develop sustainably, attracting tourists to experience the traditional salt making process.

With its existing strengths, Vietnam can fully exploit this model in famous salt regions. However, frankly speaking, it is not possible to do it right away if you want to, but we need certain conditions such as: Investing in infrastructure to welcome visitors, building salt experience areas; linking salt production with indigenous culture, history of craft villages; creating a chain of tourism products such as souvenirs, salt foods, salt spa services. This combination not only helps increase income but also contributes to preserving the cultural heritage of Vietnam's salt industry.

Appropriate policies are needed.

The reality of other countries and our salt production activities in recent years shows that to develop this sector sustainably, we need strong enough policies. In addition, for salt farmers to adapt to new trends and develop sustainably, we need a synchronous policy system focusing on credit, salt promotion and environmental protection.

Firstly, about preferential credit policies for salt farmers and salt enterprises. It is not difficult for us to realize that one of the biggest barriers for salt farmers is the lack of investment capital in clean salt and industrial salt production technology.

More than ever, salt farmers need low-interest loans to renovate salt fields and upgrade production systems. Financial support is needed for salt processing enterprises to help develop value-added products.

Along with that is the establishment of a risk insurance fund for the salt industry, helping salt farmers stabilize production when facing natural disasters or price fluctuations. If these policies are effectively implemented, it will help salt farmers boldly invest in production, improve productivity and product quality.

In our country, in recent years, a number of ecological salt models combined with mangrove conservation have been implemented in Bac Lieu and Ca Mau, bringing positive results, both protecting the environment and creating sustainable livelihoods for salt farmers.

Second, in addition to credit support, match promotion policy - Technical and market support is indispensable. Match promotion is not only financial support but also must help salt farmers access new technology, improve skills and stabilize the market.

Specifically: Transferring technology for producing clean salt and organic salt, helping to increase product value; Training salt farmers on production according to international standards, expanding export capacity; Building a stable purchasing system between businesses and salt farmers, reducing price pressure.

In fact, some localities such as Bac Lieu and Ninh Thuan have tested the salt cooperative model, helping salt farmers have stable output as well as significantly increase their income.

Finally, what salt farmers need is a policy to protect the environment and adapt to climate change. Currently, climate change is strongly affecting the salt industry, causing many production areas to be affected by rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and hydrological changes.

To minimize this impact, it is necessary to implement a number of issues well such as: Building a smart seawater channel system to avoid pollution of salt-making water sources; Supporting environmentally friendly salt production models to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; Protecting and expanding coastal mangrove forests to create a natural shield against the impact of rising sea levels.

In our country, in recent years, there have been a number of ecological salt models combined with mangrove conservation implemented in Bac Lieu and Ca Mau, bringing positive results, both protecting the environment and creating sustainable livelihoods for salt farmers.

It can be seen that salt will only truly shine when it is protected, developed sustainably and associated with modern economic values. Raising the value of salt is not only a matter of increasing productivity but also a combination of science, culture and sustainable support policies. Only then can Vietnamese salt be brought far and wide.

To do that, close coordination is needed between the State, businesses and salt farmers, aiming at specific goals.

With synchronous solutions, the Vietnamese salt industry not only ensures livelihoods for salt farmers but can also reach out to the international market, affirming the position of Vietnamese salt on the world map.

Four key factors to help elevate the salt industry

The first is to develop multi-value for salt, from table salt to industrial salt, medicinal salt, and tourist salt.

Second, there is a preferential credit policy to help salt farmers and businesses invest in developing the salt industry.

Third is to build a systematic salt promotion system, ensuring that salt farmers have knowledge, techniques and a stable market.

Fourth is to protect the salt production environment, respond to climate change, and aim for sustainable development.

Source: https://baotainguyenmoitruong.vn/thu-truong-vo-van-hung-4-yeu-to-then-chot-giup-nang-tam-nghe-muoi-387393.html