How betel nuts became a lifeline for farmers

Standing in Balarhat market with a sack of freshly harvested betel nuts, 60-year-old Mobarak Hossain from Kurigram's Phulbari upazila carried a familiar story from across northern Bangladesh.

His six "pon" of nuts -- each containing 80 nuts -- were fetching Tk 400 each. What looked like a good harvest, however, masked a year of agricultural devastation.

"Had we not had these trees, we would have been in serious trouble," Mobarak said.

He had suffered heavy losses in potato cultivation and paddy farming, while maize prices remained depressed despite rising fertiliser, seed, and diesel costs.

"The betel nut trees around our home have become our biggest source of support."

Mobarak's experience reflects that of many farmers across Rangpur, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts.

While potato, paddy, and maize -- the region's traditional crops -- have plunged into unprofitability, the steady yield from betel nut trees planted decades earlier is keeping farming families afloat.

The 65-year-old farmer at the same market, Dhaneswar Chandra Barman, had 70 trees producing eight to nine "pon" each.

"In previous years, the money from betel nuts paid for my children's education," he said. "But this year, I am using it simply to feed my family because I have suffered losses from potato and paddy farming."

The economics are straightforward. Betel nut trees, once established, require minimal maintenance -- mostly organic fertiliser and water -- and continue producing for 35 to 40 years.

Current market prices of Tk 300 to Tk 600 per “pon”, combined with near-zero production costs, have made the crop exceptionally reliable.

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Balarhat market in Kurigram's Phulbari upazila. Photo: Star

For Shamsul Alam of Kurigram, who manages nearly 3,000 trees across eight bighas, annual earnings reach Tk 25-26 lakh against maintenance costs below Tk 200,000.

The crop's role has expanded beyond household supplementation into village infrastructure and welfare.

Lakkhikanta Barman from Lalmonirhat planted 400 betel nut trees along government roads, generating several lakh taka annually for community social welfare and religious activities. His 120 homestead betel nut trees provide additional family income after the household's own requirements are met.

"Betel nut cultivation now plays a vital role in the rural economy," Lakkhikanta said. "It not only generates income but also beautifies villages and helps prevent soil erosion."

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the Rangpur region now hosts approximately 55 lakh betel nut trees and nearly 1,600 commercial orchards -- each spanning four to 20 bighas. Annual production exceeds 300 crore nuts.

Wholesale trader Abdul Hakim at Rangpur City Market reported annual turnover exceeding Tk two crore, with over a hundred wholesalers like him operating across the region. Fresh nuts are purchased from farmers between April and August, then preserved underground before distribution nationally.

Sirajul Islam, additional director of the DAE in Rangpur, traced the crop's transformation from peripheral status to economic centrality.

"Betel nut cultivation was once considered a hobby, but it has now become a profitable commercial enterprise," he said. "The climate of northern Bangladesh is highly suitable for growing betel nuts, which is why almost every homestead has these trees."

"Betel nuts do more than colour people's mouths, they bring smiles to farmers' faces, help pay for children's education, and quietly support countless rural families,” he said.