While many people in HCM City find the weather unpleasant during the recent  heat wave, salt harvesters have hopes that the weather will bring profits.

Can Gio District is the only remaining place in the HCM City area with sea salt harvesting. The scorching sun has turned out to be a boon for the harvesters, an industry that provides jobs almost 3,000 people and has contributed over 90,000 tonnes of salt per year for the southern regions.

According to the economic office of Can Gio District, their salt fields accounted for over 1,500 ha last year and produced more than 25,560 tonnes of salt. The prices for salt also ensure that farmers earn a decent living. 

Most of the salt fields are located in remote areas and lack of proper infrastructure, electricity and clean water. Harvesting salt is also considered one of the harshest jobs, forcing labourers to work under difficult conditions. Their monthly income is around VND1.5-3.5 million (USD71-166).

Recently, authorities of HCM City approved a plan to preserve traditional villages along with new rural development process during period 2013-2015 with view to 2020.

Harvesting salt

Heat wave good for salt harvesters

Working in the salt fields difficult job

Worrying about prices

Salt fields

Collecting salt

Farmers bring salt back from the field