Farmers in the coastal district of Lakshmipur are increasingly turning to betel nut cultivation as rising prices, favourable weather and relatively low production costs make the crop more profitable, with agricultural officials expecting this year’s harvest to generate around Tk710 crore.
Cultivation has expanded to approximately 7,250 hectares from 7,245 hectares last year, while the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a production target of around 42,350 tonnes, compared with 42,270 tonnes harvested the previous year.
Farmers and traders said betel nuts were fetching Tk3,000 to Tk3,100 per kaon (16 pon) this season, compared with Tk2,500 to Tk2,800 last year.
The higher prices, combined with favourable weather and the adoption of scientific cultivation methods, have encouraged more farmers to invest in betel nut plantations.
Agricultural officials said betel nut trees could produce fruit for 25 to 30 years after planting with relatively little maintenance. Cultivation costs are lower than those of many other crops, while fewer pest and disease problems make the crop less risky.
Officials said yields ranged from approximately 2.5 to three tonnes per hectare.
Lakshmipur’s betel nuts are supplied to markets across Bangladesh after meeting local demand, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Sreemangal.
The district has more than 100 seasonal betel nut markets, including those at Dalal Bazar, Rasulganj, Char Ruhita, Bhabaniganj, Mandari, Jaksin, Chandraganj, Raipur Bazar, Haiderganj and Khasher Hat, where farmers and traders are now experiencing their busiest period.
Monir Hossain Molla, a betel nut farmer from Mollarhat, and Nurnabi of Dalal Bazar said this year’s harvest had been good, bringing higher returns for growers.
“The yield has been good this year, and farmers are happy. Prices are also much better than last year,” they said.
They said prices ranged from Tk150 to Tk250 per pon, depending on quality and variety. With minimal maintenance costs and trees continuing to bear fruit for decades, the crop provides farmers with a long-term source of income.
Local traders said the growing popularity of betel nut cultivation was helping strengthen Lakshmipur’s rural economy, with the industry supporting farmers, traders and seasonal workers.
However, harvesting remains hazardous for labourers who climb tall trees to collect the nuts.
Workers said they received Tk10 per tree and could climb 200 to 250 trees daily during the peak season, earning around Tk2,000 to Tk3,000.
Despite the income opportunities, they said the work involved serious risks, including potentially fatal falls. With few alternative employment opportunities, many continue the dangerous work to support their families.
Agricultural officials said the main harvesting season falls in the Bengali months of Kartik and Agrahayan, when increased production and trading activities stimulate the local economy.
DAE Deputy Director Jahir Ahmed said farmers were increasingly adopting scientific cultivation methods, improving yields, while the department continued providing technical advice and guidance.
More than half of Lakshmipur’s betel nut production comes from Raipur upazila, followed by Lakshmipur Sadar, he said.
“According to our estimates, farmers will be able to sell betel nuts worth around Tk710 crore this year, including ripe, dried and soaked nuts,” Ahmed said.
