The Department of Agriculture (DA) will work closely with government agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Trade and Industry (DTI) for the enhancement of salt production in the country.

In a press release issued by the DA on Sunday, Aug. 28, it said they will implement initiatives to supply both commercial and industry salt users.

The DA in coordination with BFAR will conduct research and development and provide technical assistance to boost production to marginal and artisanal salt makers.

The agriculture department disclosed that 93 percent of the salt supply in the country is imported despite the country having 36,000 kilometers of shoreline.

The DA said it aims to expand production areas, and push for the development of technologies like evaporation systems, and the use of various machineries to accelerate salt production.

"Facilities for processing, packaging, and value adding will be provided to marginal salt makers under a co-sharing agreement," it added.

Citing the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN law) or the Republic Act 8172, it said that the DENR with other government agencies will "identify areas for use as salt farms with the purpose of protecting areas from environmental risk to ensure the sustainability of iodized salt production."

Likewise, the law mandates DTI to provide assistance and support for local salt producers/manufacturers to upgrade their production technologies that will include iodization.

To achieve this, it said that the trade industry will help them by providing "soft loans and financial assistance for the procurement of salt iodization machines, packaging equipment and technology and fortificant; and by ensuring systematic distribution of the iodized salt in the market."

The DA noted that the ASIN law is requiring the addition of iodine to "all salt intended for animal and human consumption" to remove "micronutrient malnutrition in the country."