Tabarak Laxmipur Correspondent: Betel nut cultivation is gaining popularity among farmers in Laxmipur, particularly across five upazilas including coastal Raipur. Favorable weather and the adoption of scientific farming methods have led to a steady rise in production. Currently, betel nut is being cultivated on about 7,360 hectares of land in the district, yielding approximately 20,000 metric tonnes — valued at around Tk 1,000 crore.

Locally grown betel nuts not only meet district demand but are also supplied to other regions across Bangladesh. Due to high demand and good prices, more farmers are turning to betel nut cultivation. Compared to other crops, it involves lower risk and is proving to be highly profitable.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Laxmipur, betel nut orchards now cover about 7,360 hectares across the five upazilas, including Raipur. Once planted, betel nut trees yield crops for 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. On average, each hectare produces about 3 metric tonnes of betel nuts annually.

This year, the district has set a production target of approximately 20,000 metric tonnes. Betel nuts are currently being sold at Tk 2,500 to Tk 2,800 per kaun (16 pon), compared to Tk 1,700–2,200 last year — an increase of Tk 700–800 per kaun. Depending on the variety, prices per pon range from Tk 150 to Tk 250.

Favorable weather and modern cultivation techniques are further boosting yields. As production costs are low and pest infestations or plant diseases are rare, farmers are increasingly choosing betel nut over other crops.

Laxmipur’s betel nuts are supplied to major cities including Chattogram, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Sreemangal. Local wholesale markets have sprung up in over 100 locations including Dalal Bazar, Rasulgonj, Char Ruhita, Bhabaniganj, Mandari, Joksin, Chandraganj, Raipur, Haidarganj, and Khaserhat. Farmers and traders are now busy with harvesting and trading.

Farmers Abbas Uddin of Sikdar Rastar Matha (Char Mohana Union) and Abul Hashem of Mandoltuli (Hamsadi Union) said, “This year’s harvest has been very good, and farmers are happy with the prices, which are higher than last year. Our betel nuts are reaching markets in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi. A kaun is selling at Tk 2,500–2,800, and per pon, prices vary from Tk 150 to Tk 250 based on quality. Once planted, betel nut trees yield for many years and require very little maintenance. Laxmipur is famous for betel nut cultivation.”

Local traders added that the low maintenance costs and minimal pest or disease issues make betel nut farming increasingly attractive to farmers. They believe this crop is now playing a significant role in the region’s economic development.

Md. Zahir Ahmed, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, said:
“This year, around 20,000 metric tonnes of betel nuts have been produced, with a market value of nearly Tk 1,000 crore. Farmers are now using scientific methods, which is improving yields. Betel nut farming is expanding and proving profitable. We are providing continuous guidance to farmers from the agriculture department.”