Profitability analysis of solar evaporation and cooking as methods of salt production and iodization of refined salt: The case of Dasol and Infanta, Pangasinan, Philippines

This study analyzed the profitability of salt production and iodization in Dasol and Infanta, Pangasinan, Philippines. Production data covering the November 2016-April 2017 production period were obtained through face-to-face interviews with 15 salt farmers each from Dasol and Infanta for a total of randomly selected 30 farmer-respondents. Other industry participants were traced from these farmers. Results revealed that salt production in Pangasinan was done through solar evaporation of seawater and by cooking. Additional practices performed include packaging and handling, storage, transporting, and salt iodization. Farmers in Infanta are practicing salt iodization while those in Dasol do not. Cost and returns and returns of investment analyses per 50-kg cavan salt revealed that cooking is the more profitable method of salt production. In support of the cooking method, which requires base salt to increase seawater salinity, increasing the production of salt through salt area expansion for the solar evaporation method was recommended. Local government units investment in construction of seawater channels to encourage area expansion was further recommended. A partial budget analysis involving farmers and assembler-wholesalers from Infanta who are performing iodization was likewise conducted to determine the profitability of salt iodization. It was found that salt farmers will gain a higher net income if they perform salt iodization of refined salt. Thus, it was also recommended that salt farmers be encouraged to venture into iodization not only for increased income but also for ASIN Law compliance. A study on coarse salt iodization was suggested to be done in consultation with technical experts like food scientists.