Despite good betel nut yield in Lalmonirhat, farmers are worried

 

Despite good betel nut yield in Lalmonirhat, farmers are worried

Lalmonirhat, March 1, 2026: Despite the good betel nut yield in the district this season, farmers are in doubt as the prices are low. The produced betel nut is mainly sold in the local big markets and traders supply it to different parts of the country. Some traders try to make more profit by storing it and selling it during the off-season.

Betel nuts are bought and sold twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Barabari Haat in the district headquarters. Farmers and traders from neighboring Kurigram's Phulbari, Rajarhat and Rangpur's Kaunia Upazilas participate here. Lakhs of taka are traded at each haat, which runs from 8 am to 4 pm.
It was learned from visiting the haats and markets that last year, local betel nuts were sold for 200 to a maximum of 500 taka per pon (80 pieces), but this year they are being traded between 150 and 250 taka. Large-sized betel nuts are being sold for 200 to 250 taka. 'Maja' betel nuts from Boalpur are being sold for 230 taka per pon and 'Maja' betel nuts from Sylhet are being sold for 340 taka. In the wholesale market, local betel nuts are being sold for 2,400 to 4,000 taka per pon (16 pieces).

Akkas Ali, a farmer who came to sell betel nuts at Barabari Market, told BSS, "This year the yield is good but the price is low." Jalil Rahman, a farmer at the same market, said, "Last year, I sold the amount of betel nuts that I got Tk 2,000 for, but this time I have to sell it at half the price. At this time, the family runs on the money from selling betel nuts, but this time the price is very low."

Betel nut trader Mostafa Hossain said that during the month of Ramadan, demand is slightly lower and the number of wholesalers is also less. As a result, prices have fallen due to lack of competition in the market. He is currently buying betel nuts from farmers for Tk 200 to Tk 250.

Another trader, Haider Ali, said that the market supply is high due to good yields in other areas. He expressed hope that the price may increase slightly if demand increases after the end of Ramadan. Trader Ali Hossain said that supply has increased in major cities due to the import of dried betel nuts from abroad in addition to domestic production. As a result, the price has decreased as there is no shortage in the market.

According to the District Agricultural Extension Department, there are currently 514 hectares of commercial betel nut orchards in Lalmonirhat. In addition, betel nut trees scattered in the courtyards of rural houses, ponds and riverbanks are making an important contribution to the local economy.

Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department Dr. Md. Saikhul Arifin told BSS, "Betel nut production in the district has been satisfactory this season. The district's soil and climate are favorable for betel nut cultivation. Although the market price is currently low, there is a possibility of improvement in the future."

Concerned people believe that the increase in demand after Ramadan may bring positive changes in the betel nut market. However, for now, there is concern among farmers as they are forced to sell at low prices.