Production of Rajshahi's Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged betel leaf has increased significantly this season as farmers expanded cultivation and benefited from favourable weather. However, the bumper harvest has created an oversupply in local markets, driving prices down and reducing growers' profits.
Betel cultivation is one of the main sources of income for thousands of farming families in Rajshahi, particularly in the upazilas of Mohanpur, Bagmara and Durgapur. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the area under cultivation has expanded by 510 hectares this year, with production expected to reach 87,550 metric tonnes, nearly 10,000 metric tonnes higher than last season's output of 77,452 metric tonnes from 4,509 hectares.
Trading remained busy at major betel markets, including Mougachi, Kesharhat, Pakuria, Kuthibari and Ekdiltola in Mohanpur, as farmers arrived with freshly harvested leaves by bicycle, van and on foot. Despite the strong trading activity, prices have weakened because of abundant supplies. Premium-quality betel is currently selling for Tk 2,500 to Tk 3,000 per poya, while large varieties are fetching Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200. Medium-quality betel is selling for Tk 600 to Tk 800, and small leaves for Tk 200 to Tk 250 per poya. Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer Md. Sanwar Hossain said one bira contains 64 betel leaves, while 32 biras make one poya, or 2,048 leaves.
Farmers say higher production has not translated into higher incomes. Bader Uddin, a grower from Haridagachi village in Mohanpur, said favourable weather had boosted yields but increased supply had pushed prices lower. "I sold 10 bundles of large betel leaves for Tk 350. Production is high, but lower prices are reducing our profits," he said.
Another farmer, Golam Mostafa, said rising costs for fertilisers, pesticides, labour and maintenance had further squeezed earnings despite the good harvest. He said growers would benefit if more wholesale buyers entered the market and prices improved.
Farmer Saidur Rahman said the short shelf life of betel leaves forces many growers to sell immediately, often at lower prices. He said improved storage and marketing facilities would help farmers secure better returns.
Agricultural officials described the production increase as encouraging but warned that expanding output without broader market access could continue to depress prices. They said improvements in storage, transportation, wholesale market management and distribution beyond Rajshahi are needed to balance supply and demand. Officials also believe stronger branding and promotion of Rajshahi's GI-tagged betel could enhance its reputation, expand market opportunities and improve farmers' incomes.
Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, said farmers are receiving technical support on quality production, disease and pest management, and market-oriented cultivation, while authorities continue to monitor market conditions to help ensure fair prices.
Mohanpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Kamrul Islam said betel remains the area's leading agricultural commodity. He said around 1,900 hectares of land in Mohanpur are under betel cultivation this year, generating annual trade worth an estimated Tk 6.5 billion. The unions of Mougachi, Jahanabad and Dhurail remain the region's principal betel-producing areas.