Farmers in coastal upazilas of Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar are witnessing a bumper yield of betel nut this season with 80 nuts selling for up to Tk600 in local markets.
Officials of Department of Agricultural Extension said favourable weather, improved drainage systems, and the use of organic fertilisers have contributed to the record harvest.
Teknaf Upazila Agriculture Officer Humayun Kabir said betel nuts are now cultivated on 1,260 hectares of land in the upazila, with average yields of 18–20 metric tons per hectare of raw nuts or 5–7 metric tons when dried.
“The market price now ranges between Tk350 and Tk600 per 80 pieces,” he said.
Teknaf farmer Hasan Sharif said he has earned around Tk1.5 lakh from his 20-decimal garden this season.
“The agriculture office guided us on water management, shade creation, and the use of organic compost. The trees are now stronger, and yields have nearly doubled,” he said.
Similar results were reported by other farmers in Sonarpara, Patwarytek and Jahajpura areas, who said coordinated efforts to counter soil salinity and high temperatures have boosted productivity.
Farmer Irfan Azad said his family earns Tk 12–13 lakh every year from 160 decimals of land. “Previously, floods and saltwater intrusion damaged the trees, but coastal windbreaks like jhau trees now protect the gardens,” he said.
His uncle, Ershadur Rahman, who cultivates 4.8 acres, earns Tk 20–30 lakh per season.
In Ukhiya, where 973 hectares of land are under cultivation, Upazila Agriculture Officer Kamnashish Sarkar said climate adaptation efforts have reduced crop losses significantly.
“Tree loss, which once stood at 25–30% annually, has now dropped below 10%,” he said.
At Shamlapur market in Teknaf, traders said prices have surged due to high demand.
“Eighty betel nuts are selling for Tk600. Even after drying and transport costs, profits remain strong,” said trader Shahjalal.
Agricultural experts said betel nut farming is expanding beyond coastal regions as a profitable and climate-resilient crop, helping farmers in Cox’s Bazar earn steady incomes while improving soil stability and reducing erosion.
