Laxmipur betel leaf producers record record sale of 200cr Tk

Md Belal Hossain Khan, Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said betel leaf farmers earned Tk 200 crore in the last farming season.


“We have provided technical assistance to farmers and thought of integrating betel leaf growers under the government’s incentive scheme,” he added.


According to the DAE district office, farmers were cultivating betel leaf on about 500 hectares of land in the district. Of these, 400 hectares have been cultivated in Kamperhat and Haiderganj areas in Raipur Upazila, widely known as the “betel leaf village”, DAE sources said.


Local betel leaf growers said they expect bumper production this year as well thanks to favorable weather conditions and timely rains.


Hamidul Islam, a local betel leaf producer, said the profit is usually double the cost of production.

The betel leaf produced in the district is well known for its taste. The product is sent to different districts including Dhaka and Chattogram, he added.


Moklesur Rahman, a farmer from Haiderganj region, said the price of betel leaf was comparatively better than in previous years.


“We are selling a pack of 80 pieces of betel leaves at Tk 110 to Tk 120,” he added.


Meanwhile, betel leaf cultivators claimed that they did not receive necessary suggestions from the local agriculture bureau in time when the insects attacked.

They also demanded easy government loans and DAE assistance in time for the use of necessary insecticides.


Farmers say betel leaf can be exported if the government provides the necessary assistance.