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Md Belal Hossain Khan, deputy director of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said betel leaf farmers earned Tk 200 crore in the last agricultural season.
“We’ve been providing technical assistance to farmers and thinking of bringing betel leaf growers under government incentive programme,” he added.
According to DAE district office, farmers cultivated betel leaf on about 500 hectares of land in the district. Among them, 400 hectares were cultivated in Kamperhat and Haiderganj areas in Raipur upazila, widely known as the ‘village of betel leaf’, DAE sources said.
Local betel leaf growers said they expect bumper production this year too for favourable weather and timely rain.
Hamidul Islam, a local betel leaf grower, said the profit is usually double than the production cost.
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Betel leaf produced in the district is well known for its taste. The product is sent to different districts including Dhaka and Chattogram, he added.
Moklesur Rahman, a farmer of Haiderganj area, said the price of betel leaf is comparatively better than previous years.
“We’re selling a bundle of 80 pieces betel leaves at Tk 110 to Tk 120,” he added.
Meanwhile, betel leaf farmers alleged that they do not get necessary suggestions from local agriculture office in time when insects attack.
They also demanded easy loans from the government and assistance from DAE in time for using necessary insecticides.
Farmers say betel leaf can be exported if the government provides necessary assistance.