El Nino boosts Indonesian salt harvest
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026
The prolonged El Nino is expected to significantly increase Indonesia's salt production, potentially lowering salt prices and improving the trade balance for salt exporters. Conversely, crop farmers face reduced yields, which could raise food prices and increase import demand for agricultural commodities.
An intensifying El Nino has brought a prolonged dry season to Indonesia, boosting salt production in regions like Indonesia — Cirebon, Indonesia — West Java, while posing challenges for crop farmers. By July, more than half of the country's seasonal zones were in an extended dry season, with the weather agency warning El Nino could persist into early 2027. Over 5,000 hotspots were detected, a sharp increase from previous El Nino years. Salt farmers in Indonesia — Cirebon reported production of nearly 600 metric tons in July, up from 25-30 tons the previous year, and expect a bumper harvest through October. National salt production fell to 1 million tons last year due to a shorter dry season and El Niño–Southern Oscillation, but is expected to rise this year. The Indonesian Salt Users Industry Association predicts increased production, while the weather agency advises crop farmers to adjust planting schedules. Salt farmers view El Nino as a blessing, hoping for continued dry weather to maximize output.
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