Jashor Correspondent: Despite a bumper harvest of betel leaf in the current season in Abhaynagar Upazila of Jashore, local farmers are deeply worried due to a sharp drop in market prices. With fears that they may not recover their production costs, around one hundred thousand people directly and indirectly involved in betel leaf farming are experiencing frustration and financial distress.
After meeting local market demand, betel leaves from this region are supplied to various parts of the country.
Farmers stated that although this year’s harvest has been excellent, they are not getting fair prices. The price of betel nuts (supari) has increased in the local market, resulting in reduced demand and price for betel leaves. As a result, many farmers are concerned about recovering their investments. Even though export to European Union countries has resumed after a long suspension, the previously lost markets have not been fully regained, which is another major reason for the price decline.
Due to the profitability of betel leaf farming, cultivation has been increasing every year, with even fallow and arable lands being used for growing the crop. However, with the current market crash, farmers are now fearing losses. The absence of government incentives is also discouraging many from continuing betel farming. Farmers believe that with proper government support and revitalization of the export market, they could once again achieve profitability.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in the upazila, both “Jhalpan” and “Sachi” varieties of betel leaf are cultivated in the area. In the fiscal year 2024–25, a total of 505 hectares of land have been brought under betel leaf cultivation, with a production target of 7,800 metric tons.
An on-the-ground visit reveals betel leaf farms (known as boroj) spread across various villages in Abhaynagar. Both cultivable and fallow lands are being used for this purpose. Alongside male farmers, many women are also engaged in maintaining and managing the boroj.
Bulbul, a betel leaf farmer from Diyapara village, said that although the harvest is good this year, the increase in the price of betel nuts and the slow recovery of the EU export market have kept prices low. As a result, local farmers are not getting fair value for their produce.
Shovon Sheikh, a farmer from Siddhipasha village, expressed concern that there are currently no government projects in the upazila to support betel leaf farming. He emphasized the urgent need for initiatives to support both the crop and the farmers. “In my lifetime, I have never seen the price of betel leaf this low,” he said. “Last year, a pona (bundle of 80 leaves) sold for around Tk 150, but now we’re forced to sell it for just Tk 30–40.”
Upazila Agriculture Officer Mosammat Lovely Khatun confirmed that around 505 hectares of land are under betel leaf cultivation this season. While betel leaf is a profitable crop, no dedicated government project has been implemented for it so far. She expressed hope that with the inclusion of betel farming in future agricultural projects, farmers will be able to benefit significantly.
