Betel leaf cultivation increasing in Barguna

The cultivation of betel leaf is increasing gradually in the district as the cash crop is more profitable than many other
seasonal crops and vegetables to the farmers.

Recently, farmers of the district are showing their interest in betel leaf
cultivation as its production cost is very low and the tree (vine) is
perennial.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) office said farmers have
cultivated betel leaf on 385 hectares of land in six upazilas of the
district.

The number of betel leaf farms (fields) in the district, including small and
large, is 4,112. Out of these, 750 are in Sadar upazila.

Farmers of the district are seeing success in betel leaf cultivation as the
DAE field-level staff provide them regular care and advice about its farming.

A farmer has to spend Taka 50-60 thousand for cultivating betel leaf on one
bigha of land in the first year and the farmer can earn Taka two lakh from
the land if the weather conditions are favorable, a DAE official said.

Farmers are selling betel leaf in Dhaka and other parts of the country after
meeting its demand in local markets.

Deputy Director of the DAE Dr. Abu Syed Md. Jobaidul Alam said betel leaf
cultivation is constantly increasing in the district.

“The high and fertile land is very suitable for its cultivation. Our officers
are giving various suggestions to the local farmers on betel leaf farming,”
he added.

Betel leaf farming has been playing a vital role in improving the socio-
economic condition of people in many areas of the district, bringing smiles
on farmers’ faces as it makes their fortune. (BSS)