Photo : Messenger
Lakshmipur district has experienced a bumper crop of betel nuts this season, attributed to the adoption of scientific methods by farmers and favorable weather conditions.
The betel nuts produced are being supplied to various regions of the country to meet the growing demand. Due to the high demand and favorable prices for betel nuts, farmers in the district are increasingly showing interest in betel nut cultivation.
The majority of farmers in the district are enjoying significant profits from betel nut cultivation, as it involves lower risks compared to other crops. Currently, there are 6,360 hectares of betel nut plantations spread across 5 upazilas in Lakshmipur district. Betel nut trees, once planted, continue to produce for 25-30 years without requiring extensive maintenance. The average yield is around 2.5 to 3 metric tons per hectare.
The district has set a production target of approximately 19,500 metric tons of betel nuts this time, with prices ranging from Tk 2200 to Tk 2600 per 'kaon' (16 pon). The increasing adoption of modern methods and the favorable climate have contributed to the continuous growth of betel nut production in the region. Farmers benefit from lower production costs, and the region is experiencing a surge in betel nut cultivation.
Farmers in the region prefer betel nut cultivation due to the lower risk of insect attacks and diseases in betel nut orchards. The produced betel nuts are distributed to various districts, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, and Srimangal, to meet the rising demand.
Betel nut farmers from Dalal Bazar area, such as Humayun, Abdul Karim, and Suja Mia, highlight the low production costs, minimal maintenance requirements, and higher profits compared to other crops. Farmers Abdur Rahman and Sekantar Ali from South Hamchadi area mention that betel nut yields start in 6 to 7 years with proper planting and care, and a higher yield is achieved after 10 to 12 years.
Numerous betel nut markets, including Dalal Bazar, Rasulganj, Charruhita, Bhabaniganj, Mandari, Jaksin, Chandraganj, Raipur Bazar, and Khaser Bazar in Sadar Upazila, are witnessing increased activity with traders and farmers focused on betel nuts.
Betel nut trader Faiz Ahmed notes the high demand for betel nuts from this district in the market, attributing it to their relatively good size, taste, and color. He observes that farmers are increasingly adopting scientific methods, leading to improved yields. The agriculture department is actively advising farmers, contributing to the success of betel nut cultivation in the district.
Deputy Director of Lakshmipur Agricultural Extension Department, Md. Zakir Hossain, emphasizes the suitability of the soil and climate for betel nut cultivation in the region. He acknowledges the benefits farmers are reaping from betel nut plantations and attributes the bumper yield to the timely and proper care provided by betel nut farmers.
Messenger/Zahirul/Shahin
