Despite sweltering conditions, these diligent workers continue to produce pure white salt, thriving under the scorching heat that drives their unique and labor-intensive profession.
In the salt fields of Bach Long village, Giao Thuy district, the salt workers begin their day at dawn and continue until late evening.
Mai Thi Thu, a 55-year-old salt worker, shares that unlike other regions where sea water is simply evaporated, Bach Long’s salt production involves filtering and evaporating sand to increase salinity due to the low-salt water near river estuaries.
The middle of the day brings the most brutal heat, charring the skin and casting a salty mist over the workers as they diligently complete the salt-making process. “Salt farming is incredibly tough,” Mrs. Thu explains.
“The more we sweat and the hotter it gets, the more we can harvest. Without the sun, there is no income.”
The dependency on weather means that a full day of sunshine brings joy, but unexpected rain can turn a day’s labor into a fruitless endeavor.
Bach Long was once the largest salt-producing area in Northern Vietnam, spanning 230 hectares. Now, it has reduced to about 55 hectares with over 500 households involved.
The cycle of good harvests but poor prices has deterred many from continuing in the trade, pushing them to seek better-paying jobs.
“If the weather is good, a day’s work on the salt field yields only about 150,000 to 200,000 VND,” Mrs. Thu remarks, highlighting the grueling nature of the work, especially as she ages.
She and other local farmers hope for governmental support to stabilize salt prices and preserve the industry.
Lai Viet Tien, Chairman of the Service Cooperative of Salt Production, Fisheries, and Environment in Bach Long, notes that this year’s unpredictable weather has decreased salt production compared to previous years.
The price of salt remains low, making it a challenging livelihood, primarily sustained by older workers who are passionate about their craft.
To encourage salt workers to continue, the local authorities have collaborated with the National Agricultural Extension Center since 2022 to develop a model for producing clean salt for export. This method requires more steps but offers higher purchase prices.
Le Van Huan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Giao Thuy District (Nam Dinh), reveals plans for further investment in infrastructure and exploring tourism opportunities to add value to the salt, hoping to rejuvenate this traditional craft.
Vietnamnet.vn
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