Betel leaf farming brings solvency for Cox’s Bazar farmers

Betel-leaf farming has been playing a vital role in improving the socio-economic condition of people in many areas in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar, bringing smiles to farmers’ faces as it makes their fortune.

Previously, Teknaf was known for betel nut cultivation while betel leaf farming was more popular in Moheshkhali upazila. However, nowadays many people of Teknaf have taken on betel leaf farming as it is a profitable crop.

Mohammad Ali, a betel nut grower of Jahajpura, said he used to be a fisher but changed his profession in hopes of a better livelihood.

“Now I spend my days tending to the betel plants at my borouj. Hundreds of people in the area have done the same and become self-sufficient through betel leaf farming,” he said.

A borouj is a greenhouse made of bamboo and coconut leaves inside which betel leaves are cultivated.

The farmers are showing more interest in betel leaf cultivation since they got its lucrative market price in the last couple of years.

“I profit Tk one lakh per month from the farming, “ Ali added.

The soil of Ukhiya and Teknaf is suitable for betel leaf cultivation. Betel leaf is now being commercially cultivated in both upazilas due to good demand in the markets.

As the weather is favourable this season, the farmers are expecting a good harvest. The number of boroujes is increasing in the area since the business is profitable.

Betel leaf farming is going on on a small scale in Sadar upazila along with Moheshkhali, Ukhiya and Teknaf. Compared to other crops like paddy, wheat and maize betel cultivation costs less and is more profitable.

Along with veteran farmers, youths of the area have also become interested in betel leaf farming. According to the farmers, the boroujes in the area had good yields in the last few seasons.

However, the borouj owners alleged that they do not get help from the district agriculture office.

A borouj owner said, “They do not provide any advice if asked about disease prevention or anything.”

Commercial cultivation of betel leaf has also created employment opportunities for many people in the area. Borouj owners and workers said if the local agricultural officers provided proper support and advice, betel cultivation would expand further in the area.

Sona Ali, a day labourer at a betel leaf farm in the Noakhali Para area of Teknaf upazila said, “I work for Tk 700 wage per day. Many workers like me are now living a comfortable life due to finding work easily in the boroujes.”

According to betel leaf farmers, a weekly market is organised on Saturday and Tuesday in Shamlapur area of Baharchhara union. The farmers harvest the leaves in accordance with that so they can be marketed while fresh.

Traders buy the harvest from the farmers and sell them at a wholesale price in the market.

The price of betel leaf varies depending on demand. Last year, large-sized betel leaf was sold for Tk 200-300 per beera (160 pieces). The medium-sized leaves were sold for Tk 150-200 per beera. And the smallest size leaves were sold for Tk 80-100 per beera.

This year, the price of large betel leaf is Tk 400-450 per beera, medium-sized leaf Tk 350-400 per beera and the small ones are Tk 180-200 per beera.

Cox's Bazar Agriculture Officer Md Kabir Hossain said, “The farmers of the district have become interested in betel cultivation. Therefore, the agriculture department is advising the farmers to cultivate betel leaf in an environment-friendly manner.”