Philippine Association of Salt Industry Networks said that Government should give more support to the country’s small salt farmers.
According to the group’s president, Gerard Khonghun, while some salt producers made an effort to modernize their iodization process, some smaller salt producers were unable to keep up with advancement.
“It’s not just technology or equipment or training, it also involves some change in distribution. Since it costs more you would have to have the consumer want to buy more expensive salt so that they could get proper iodine in their salt,” he said.
To end iodine deficiency problems in the nation, the salt iodization law passed in 1995 required the addition of iodine to salt.
However, some senators criticized the measure, claiming it caused deterioration of the industry.
“The law, instead of promoting, became a deterrent in the development of the local salt industry. It has neglected to develop new areas and invite new investors. It made all salt food grade. In 2021, it was reported that we only produced 7 percent of our salt requirements and imported 93 percent or 550,000 metric tons,” Sen. Cynthia Villar said.
To help producers who couldn’t put iodize in their salt, Khonghun said there was talk of putting up cooperatives that would help them in the iodization.
But for him, salt farmers must take initiative if they want to form cooperatives.
“These did not materialize. I think we can do better this time around,” he said. “They need to see the benefits of iodization not just for the public but also for their own business. More incentives in this area, and I think more direct assistance would be called for.”
