Heavy rainfall in the month of Kartik last year caused severe devastation for betel leaf growers in the Rajshahi region. The excessive rain led to widespread rotting of leaves. Even before that, farmers had endured a capital-eroding collapse in prices throughout the monsoon.
However, the situation has improved significantly. Following the 13th national election, betel leaf prices began to rise steadily. Farmers’ financial conditions have started to recover, and optimism has returned to the community.
The largest betel leaf market in Rajshahi is held in Mochmoil under Bagmara upazila. The market sits every Friday and Monday, attracting traders from across the country who purchase betel leaves for nationwide distribution.
Last Friday, the finest quality betel leaves were sold at Tk 5,800 per poa at the Mochmoil market. One poa consists of 32 bundles, with each bundle containing 64 leaves. Medium-sized leaves were priced at Tk 3,000 per poa, while smaller varieties sold for a minimum of Tk 500 per poa. In stark contrast, during last year’s monsoon, premium-quality leaves fetched only Tk 300 per poa.
Farmers say they are now satisfied with the improved prices. Although demand typically declines during Ramadan—leading to slight price drops—this year only minor fluctuations have been observed even after the start of fasting. Growers remain hopeful that prices will increase further after Ramadan.
Four main types of betel leaves are traded at the market: premium (sorted) leaves, medium-sized leaves, satta (small and slender) leaves, and ripe or spotted leaves. Prices vary according to type and quality, with premium leaves commanding the highest rates.
Rajshahi’s betel leaf is widely popular across the country for its distinctive sweetness, taste, and tradition. Recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, “Rajshahi’s Sweet Betel Leaf” received official GI recognition on 31 August 2024, further strengthening its brand value.
Betel leaf has been an integral part of the Indian subcontinent’s thousand-year-old traditions and social customs. More than just an agricultural product, it symbolizes hospitality, affection, and cultural heritage. Since ancient times, offering betel leaf and areca nut has been a gesture of respect and social etiquette in honoring guests.
Babu, a grower from Haridagachhi under Kesharhat municipality in Mohanpur upazila, said he cultivates betel leaf on 10 kathas of land. Prices vary depending on size and quality. “Today at the local market, I sold medium-sized leaves at Tk 100 per bundle and large-sized leaves at Tk 150 per bundle,” he said.
Ashraf Ali, a farmer from Bakshimail village in the same upazila, owns a one-bigha betel orchard. He noted that leaves selling for Tk 80 to Tk 100 just a week ago are now fetching Tk 150. Previously, one poa was priced at around Tk 3,000; it has now risen to Tk 5,000. Another local grower, Badr Uddin Bhola, shared similar experiences.
According to the District Department of Agricultural Extension, betel leaf has been cultivated on 4,509 hectares across nine upazilas in the district this year, with a production target of 79,681 metric tons. In the previous season, 4,500 hectares yielded 77,220 metric tons.
Betel leaf remains a major cash crop in the Rajshahi region, surpassing even mango in economic importance. The region’s betel leaves are also exported abroad. Each year, approximately Tk 3,500 crore worth of betel leaves are traded in Rajshahi.
Farmers and agricultural officials hope that if market prices remain stable and transportation and storage facilities improve, investment in betel leaf cultivation will continue to grow—further strengthening the local economy.
