Low betel prices force Kishoreganj farmers to tear down baroujs

Betel leaf (paan), one of Bangladesh’s traditional cash crops and an important part of the country’s cultural heritage, is facing a severe market crisis in Kishoreganj.

Farmers in Gobindapur of Hossainpur upazila said they are suffering heavy financial losses after failing to receive fair prices for their produce. Some have started dismantling their bamboo-fenced betel gardens (baroujs), abandoning thousands of betel vines.

Betel leaf is widely cultivated in bamboo-shaded gardens known as baroujs and is valued for its digestive properties. It is also an important export item, particularly to the Middle East and the UK.

Bangladesh mainly produces two varieties sweet Betel Leaf (Mitha Paan), which has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, and Sanchi.

During a visit to Madhya Gobindapur and Uttar Panan villages on Wednesday, this correspondent found several farmers dismantling their betel gardens after years of mounting losses.

According to farmers, around 500 people cultivate betel leaf in Hossainpur upazila, with nearly 400 of them living in Gobindapur Union.

The area has long been known for profitable betel cultivation, but growers say they have been struggling for the past two to three years because they are unable to secure fair market prices, which they blame on the influence of a local traders’ syndicate.

Veteran farmer Abdul Qadir of Uttar Panan said he cultivated betel on 18 decimals of land for the past three years. He harvested around 40 gachas (bundles of 160 leaves each) every week, while maintenance costs reached nearly Tk20,000 a month. Previously, each bundle sold for about Tk200 in the wholesale market, but prices have now dropped to only Tk50-60. He estimates his losses at around Tk200,000 over the past three years.

“I can no longer continue with betel cultivation.

The losses keep increasing, so I am dismantling the barouj and will grow other crops instead,” he said.

Farmer Abu Siddique said he cultivated betel on 53 decimals of land. Harvesting the crop requires nearly Tk70,000 in labour costs, but the produce can now be sold for only Tk30,000-35,000, making harvesting economically unviable. As a result, mature leaves remain unpicked in the fields.

Another farmer, Shukur Mahmud of Madhya Gobindapur, said he cultivated betel on 41 decimals and could harvest around 90 bundles every week. However, he has stopped harvesting because of poor prices, allowing mature leaves to fall from the vines.

Several other farmers, including Swapan Mia, Babul Mia, Ershad Mia and Shahjahan Mia, also reported leaving their crops unharvested because the market price does not cover production costs.

The Gobindapur Chowrasta betel market operates four days a week Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Farmers alleged that although wholesalers from different areas visit the market, a group led by market committee president Abdur Rashid controls purchases and prevents outside traders from buying directly, forcing farmers to sell at lower prices.

Rejecting the allegation, Abdur Rashid said there is no syndicate and farmers are free to sell their produce in other markets if they choose.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), betel was cultivated on 145 hectares across Kishoreganj district during the 2024-25 season, including 32 hectares in Hossainpur upazila. The main varieties grown are Laldingi, Sanchi, Gayasur and Gach. Data for the 2026-27 seasons are yet to be compiled.

Farmers also alleged that agricultural officials rarely visit the betel-growing areas to monitor cultivation or address their marketing problems.

However, Kishoreganj DAE Deputy Director Dr Sadiqur Rahman dismissed the allegation, saying Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officers regularly visit every union. He added that farmers had not formally raised complaints regarding betel prices.

He also noted that the area under betel cultivation in Hossainpur has declined from 32 hectares last season to about 30 hectares this season, which he attributed partly to the area’s low-lying geography and the ongoing market difficulties.