In Kish, south of Babil, the Abu Hussein family also harvests salt in addition to practicing agriculture, the family’s main source of income. There are salt lakes only a few kilometers from Abu Hussein’s residence, and he and his family head there with their bags in the evening before sunset. Al-Monitor accompanied them on one occasion.
Pointing toward the lake in front of us, Abu Hussein said, “Those salt piles are the product of the past few days of work. We left them for several days to dry in the sun and get rid of the remaining humidity. Then, we will put the salt in large boxes and leave it until the humidity is totally gone. Finally, we put the salt in bags and sell it to merchants.”
Abu Hussein's heels are cracked and damaged from the salt. He asked, “Is there any Iraqi farmer whose hands and heels are not cracked due to the primitive methods used in agriculture or in the extraction of salt?” Salt harvesting is typically done by individuals and is not overseen by any professional or regulatory organization.
“This hard work barely pays off at this time of the year. It is restricted to hot, sunny periods. In summer, the income might increase to $150,” said Abu Hussein.
The rural exodus of youths seeking jobs in the cities is creating difficulties for the people reliant on salt harvesting and sales. Iraqis' income from salt is already low, and that is now being threatened by salt imports from neighboring countries.
Still, Abu Issam, a Bedouin who arrived in al-Mahawil in 1970, recalls a time when the process was even harder. He told Al-Monitor, “We used to put the salt in bags on the backs of camels and walk the cities’ neighborhoods to sell it to the people.” When Abu Issam sold salt, it was through the barter system. He would provide salt in exchange for desserts, soap, kitchen utensils or other items.
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