Buzz
Dong Hai District is the largest producer and supplier of raw salt in Bac Lieu province.
The White Salt Fields of Dong Hai, Bac Lieu
The entire district has hundreds of households engaged in salt production, supplying approximately 20,000 tons to the market each year. Salt workers can be field owners, members of salt production cooperatives, or hired laborers.
From early morning until late evening, local residents venture into the fields to harvest salt.
According to statistics from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dong Hai District, in the first five months of this year, the salt fields in the area covered approximately 3,000 hectares.
Salt production is quite challenging. Workers endure the sun to harvest salt, but due to their expertise, they work quickly.
From pumping seawater into salt fields to crystallization and harvest takes over a month. During this time, salt workers focus on protecting the salt fields. Unexpected rains can reduce yield or even prevent harvest.
Bac Lieu salt has long been a protected brand. This region is also a leading producer of high-quality salt in the Western region and nationwide, preferred by consumers.
At the same time in 2019, salt was priced around 1,500 VND/kg, but now it's only 800 VND/kg.
Many locals continue the profession despite the decrease in salt prices because it's a tradition. Continuing salt production is also a way to express love for this longstanding occupation.
In Dong Hai, both men and women participate in carrying salt.
Mrs. Huynh Thi Ut Muoi, residing in Dinh Dien Hamlet, Dien Hai Commune, Dong Hai District, has been dedicated to the salt profession for nearly 30 years. Despite the demanding nature of the work, especially carrying salt, Mrs. Muoi persists in her trade. At the age of 47, she consistently works in the fields every day. Mrs. Muoi earns approximately 200,000 to 300,000 VND daily from her labor.
According to Mrs. Muoi, she entered this profession to support her livelihood. Partly because she is accustomed to this work. 'Without this job, I wouldn't know what to do. Not just me, many households in Dien Hai Commune solely engage in salt production. It's our tradition,' Mrs. Muoi explained.
Immediately after harvesting salt, salt workers continue to pump seawater into the salt fields. This cycle continues throughout the dry season. Around early June, when there is heavy rain, locals take a temporary break. They resume work in early October.
Salt production in Dong Hai, and generally in Bac Lieu, often adopts a collective production model. This involves pooling resources and land to produce together. Locals believe collective salt production allows them more control over selling the final product.
According to Nguyet Nhi/Vnexpress
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
