Rain Disrupts Early Salt Production in Cirebon

Ongoing rainfall is disrupting salt processing productivity in Cirebon Regency. The rain prevents the salt crystallisation process from successfully forming.

According to gathered information, salt farmers have now entered the early stage of the production season. “Salt farmers’ activities are currently quite diverse,” said Ismail, a salt farmer in Rawaurip Village, Pangenan District, Cirebon Regency, on Thursday (25/6).

While most farmers are still in the land preparation stage, some have managed to achieve their first harvest. However, sudden rainfall has immediately halted their activities. “The rain causes the salt crystallisation process to fail,” Ismail explained.

Ismail continued that once the rain falls, salt production on active plots automatically stops. Farmers must wait several days for the land to dry out before they can resume production.

In addition to weather constraints, another issue faced by salt farmers is that early-season yields remain relatively low. For a one-hectare plot, productivity during this initial harvest has only reached approximately five quintals.

Despite the low quantity, salt prices at the farmer level remain quite high, ranging between Rp 1,200 and Rp 1,400 per kilogram. “Salt prices are determined by the quality of the salt produced and the distance to the weighing location,” said Ismail.

Farmers are now hoping that weather conditions will return to normal and stabilise in the coming days. “Consistent hot weather is essential for the salt crystallisation process to run effectively and optimally,” Ismail added.