An analysis of the production and marketing of salt in Dasol, Pangasinan

Date

5-2016

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Dia Noelle F. Velasco

Abstract

Salt is considered as a global necessity with a growing demand both locally and internationally. However, the country?s salt industry has been shrinking fast mainly because of the availability of relatively cheaper imported salt and weather interruptions brought about and it is where 85,000 metric tons or 50% of the total salt in the country is produced. On the other hand, Dasol produces 21% of the total salt produced in Pangasinan.The study was conducted to provide a brief overview of the salt industry in the study area with focus on its production and marketing aspects. Specifically, the study aimed to: present the profile and the production and the production and marketing activities of the key players in the industry explain the interaction/relationship among these key players. identify and analyze the prospects, problems, weaknesses and gaps in production and marketing of salt in the study area, and recommend investment opportunities and development entry points to improve the performance of the industry. The study was covered in the area of Dasol, Pangasinan which is one of the top-producing municipalities of salt and is known to be the ?Home of Quality Salt? in the Philippines. The municipality has 7 out of its 18 barangays involved in rock and fine salt production- Gais, guipe, Hermosa, Magsaysay, Malacapas, Amalbalan, Uli, and Bobonot.Primary data were gathered through farm visits and personal interviews with the key players of the salt farming industry composed of 18 farmers and 2 salt processors. Secondary data such as censuses, research studies, and presentations were obtained from published and unpublished materials like annual reports, journals and magazines from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Municipal Agriculture Office, online sources, publications researches from different private institutions found locally, and other special problem reports at the CEM Library and UPLB Main Library.The tools which were used to analyze the industry were supply chain analysis and Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats analysis (SWOT Analysis). Supply chain analysis was used to measure the product, information and financial flows and the general performance of the industry. SWOT analysis was used to generate the possible recommendations to improve the performance of the industry. Furthermore, identification of Key Success Factors was conducted in order to identify the best practices conducted by leading salt farms to serve as benchmark for the salt industry in Dansol.Results showed the industry was plagued by the following problems salt producers, unassured market, uncoordinated activities and efforts of farmers unstable salt price, and unpredictable weather conditions. On the other hand, it was assessed that there is a potential for further growth since the industry is still considered to be a developing industry. There are available technologies for processing salt into fertilizers and gourmet salt which could encourage them to offer more product forms, be able to expand their market reach and tap other market segments. Forward integration through the help of the existing cooperative in acquiring distribution outlets is also an entry point in the industry.It was recommended that the salt farmers and processors establish a linkage with a regular buyer or employ forward integration for them to be assured of regular demand for their salt. Strengthening the existing cooperative is also recommended to help the salt farmers have more access to new technologies in salt production and processing as well as new markets. For the government institutions, it is suggested that they improve their services through the provision of trainings and seminars on new technologies and marketing strategies for salt products.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2016 M17 D45

Document Type

Thesis

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