Salt of the Earth: Kampot’s Thriving Industry Set to Produce 100,000 Tons Annually

• Sommana Yan
• 24 January 2024
• Local News
• 4718 Views

In a testament to Kampot province’s growing significance in the salt industry, it currently boasts an expansive 3,489 hectares of salt farms and a network of 560 salt warehouses. The Acting Director of the Department of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ms Sim Nary, revealed that this extensive infrastructure positions Kampot to yield an impressive annual salt production of around 100,000 tons, as of 19 January 2024.

Ms Sim Nary highlighted the significant employment contribution of the salt fields, providing livelihoods to 1,474 individuals. Operating for four to six months annually, the farms play a crucial role in meeting the region’s salt demand.

During a recent meeting with salt producers from Kampot and Kep provinces, HE Hem Vandy underscored the strategic importance of salt as a daily essential for various industrial processes. He outlined the salt development strategy for 2022-2026, urging producers to explore new markets beyond traditional avenues, with a specific emphasis on promoting salt’s use as chlorine for water treatment.

In line with supporting the industry and enhancing public services, the ministry is implementing a series of reforms. These include adjustments to fees, duration, and validity of public services, as well as the transformation of the National Laboratory into a public administration institution, providing professional services to the private sector.

It is worth noting that the ministry’s initiatives also encompass the establishment and management of salt communities in Kampot and Kep. These efforts aim to promote production, diversification of salt production, and the conservation and development of salt fields. (Read more)

• land development and policy