Carrying the sun across the "white fields"

For generations, the Long Dien, Vinh Hau, and Tan Thuan areas have been considered the salt-producing hubs of Ca Mau . The rich, alluvial salt from this region is exported to many provinces and cities in the area, and even crosses the border into South Korea. Because of this, the lives of most people here depend on the salt fields. Salt farmers work for about 5-6 months during the dry season each year; after that, they have to find other jobs to make a living.

Salt farmers in Vinh Hau commune harvest their salt crop using tarpaulins. Photo: Huu Tho

Taking me along the embankment of the salt fields in the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight reflected off the salt pans sparkling like crystals, Mr. Ho Chau Ky (from Long Dien commune, Ca Mau province), a 70-year-old salt farmer with over 50 years of experience, shared: “At first glance, everyone might think that making salt is very simple, just bring seawater into the fields and wait for the salt to crystallize. But in reality, making salt requires a lot of technique and experience. From preparing the soil in the fields to monitoring the salinity of the seawater before bringing it in, monitoring the wind, monitoring the sun… everything must be carefully calculated to achieve maximum productivity.”

Unlike many other industries, salt production is almost entirely dependent on the weather; the stronger the sun, the more salt is produced. "Work in the sun, rest in the cool," from early morning until the sun is high in the sky, salt farmers are busiest. In the scorching sun, on the hard ground beneath their feet, the salt farmers' sweat becomes even saltier, and the salt from Ca Mau's coastal region becomes even richer in flavor. Deep within the salty taste lies the gentle sweetness of the radiant smiles on the salt fields after bountiful harvests and good prices. Salt production is like a calling, so despite all the ups and downs, salt farmers remain connected to the salt, a symbol of their homeland.

Mr. Huynh Van Lai, who has been working in this profession for over 20 years in Tan Thuan commune, shared: "Everyone knows and sees that salt production is hard work, and the market is unstable, but this is a 'hereditary' profession, passed down through many generations, so many people still remain attached to and love salt production, despite many ups and downs and unforeseen events."

A new chapter in "Salt Life"

According to many salt farmers, the price of salt has been stable and higher than the previous season, thanks to the organization of the Vietnam Salt Industry Festival - Bac Lieu 2025, themed "A Hundred-Year Journey of Salt Production - A Lifetime," by the former Bac Lieu province, with the theme "Elevating the Value of Vietnamese Salt," at the end of the first quarter of 2025. This event helped spread the reputation of Ca Mau salt, attracting the attention of many domestic and international business partners seeking investment opportunities and orders. This created further motivation and confidence for salt farmers in improving the value of their salt, expanding their markets, and, importantly, gaining more attention from local authorities, ministries, and sectors regarding the salt industry. Many salt farmers also hope that in the future, the value of salt will continue to increase, helping them to remain committed to the salt-making profession for the long term.

Salt flowers. Photo: PHAN THANH CUONG

Mr. Tran Van Thua, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Doanh Dien Salt Production Cooperative (Long Dien commune, Ca Mau province), said: “One hectare of salt production using traditional methods yields over 50 tons, and more than 65 tons for salt production using tarpaulin lining… Since the Vietnam Salt Festival - Bac Lieu in 2025, the price of salt has increased by 200-300 VND/kg (depending on the type). Salt farmers hope there will no longer be bitter salt harvests like in previous years.”

The bitter salt seasons in the memories of salt farmers are when salt prices plummet, rendering their hard work on the salt fields almost meaningless. Thanks to the efforts of all levels of government and relevant agencies, positive signs have emerged on the white salt fields. Salt prices have returned to their fair value, salt farmers can make a living from their trade, and the sustainable development of the salt industry is becoming more secure. However, new difficulties have arisen for the salt industry with the absence of young salt farmers on the salt fields. The precariousness of the profession has caused young people to leave their villages one after another, leaving the sun-drenched salt fields to the elderly. The risk of extinction is evident on these fields that were once pristine white during the dry season.

The salt of Ca Mau has always retained its rich, alluvial flavor, with the renowned "Ba Thac Salt" brand from the old Southern region. However, for the salt industry to develop sustainably, support policies need to go hand in hand with brand promotion, combined with tourism development and the preservation of traditional cultural values.

“Coastal provinces and cities should focus on synchronously reviewing and developing salt-producing areas in places with favorable natural conditions; in a concentrated, large-scale manner, forming industrial salt production zones, and diversifying salt products in localities. Develop tourism and experiential products linked to agricultural and salt production; connect tourism routes, build tours to experience salt-making villages so that tourists can visit, learn about the production process, participate in the harvesting process, and enjoy local dishes.”

Excerpt from the speech by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Salt Festival - Bac Lieu 2025

Nguyen Linh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/man-ma-vi-muoi-ca-mau-a126429.html