Filipino innovation revolutionizes salt farming with Three-in-One Mobile Salt Harvester

The Philippines is making a splash in the global salt industry with an innovative solution set to transform salt farming. At the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) from April 9 to 12, 2025, Filipino inventors will showcase their Three-in-One Mobile Salt Crusher, Washer, and Harvester Equipment. This homegrown technology streamlines the salt production process by mechanizing crushing, washing, and harvesting into a single, efficient system.

By reducing harvesting time by 50% and enhancing salt purity, this innovation offers a sustainable and scalable solution for salt producers worldwide.

Empowering Salt Farmers Through Innovation

Developed by a team of researchers from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Three-in-One Salt Harvester is designed specifically for the Deep Saltern Crystallizer (DSC) method. This approach mechanizes traditionally labor-intensive processes, making salt farming faster, more efficient, and more profitable.

Field tests conducted in 2021 in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, proved the harvester’s effectiveness. The technology reduced the salt harvesting cycle from months to just 10–15 days, while minimizing impurities. This streamlined process has delivered multiple benefits to local salt farmers:

• Faster production cycles: Reduced processing time by 50%, enabling faster market turnaround.

• Higher salt purity: The integrated washer ensures cleaner, purer salt output.

• Lower labor costs: Mechanization reduces the need for manual labor, boosting profitability.

• Year-round production: The harvester’s efficiency allows salt producers to continue operations even during the rainy season, stabilizing supply chains.

Local salt producers, such as JALD Industries Corporation, have successfully integrated the harvester into their operations, reporting increased efficiency and output.

Driving Global Sustainability and Food Security

Beyond its economic impact, the Three-in-One Salt Harvester supports global sustainability efforts. By optimizing resource management and reducing environmental impact, the technology aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). It strengthens food security by enabling more reliable and consistent salt production, even in unpredictable weather conditions.

Scaling to Global Markets

With rising demand for sustainable and efficient salt production, the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) is seeking international partners, investors, and manufacturers to scale up production. Through technology investment forums, industry exhibits, and global partnerships, the institute aims to position the harvester as a globally-viable solution for salt-producing nations.

“Our vision is to see this innovation adopted beyond the Philippines. At IEIG Geneva, we aim to connect with investors, technology partners, and industry leaders who can help us scale up and commercialize this solution globally,” shared Oliver Evangelista, one of the technology’s inventors.

Championing Filipinovation on the Global Stage

The Three-in-One Salt Harvester is recognized as one of the most impactful Filipino technologies. It won First Prize in the Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research – Government-Funded Category at the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) 2024, organized by the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

To support its global launch at IEIG Geneva, DOST-TAPI is leveraging its Science and Technology Promotion for International Contests and Exhibits (SPICE) Program. This program provides Filipino inventors with the platform and resources needed to showcase their innovations internationally.

“For investors looking to support high-impact innovations, this is an opportunity to back a Filipino-made technology with global potential,” Evangelista emphasized. “Investing in sustainable solutions like this doesn’t just drive profit—it creates lasting change in industries and communities worldwide.”

Revolutionizing Salt Farming with Filipino Ingenuity

The Three-in-One Mobile Salt Harvester is more than just an invention—it’s a symbol of Filipino creativity, resilience, and innovation. By combining efficiency, sustainability, and scalability, this breakthrough technology is set to redefine salt production, empower farmers, and elevate the Philippines’ position as a leader in smart agricultural and industrial solutions.

As the technology makes its debut on the global stage, the future of salt farming is brighter than ever—driven by Filipino ingenuity and innovation.