Despite a bumper yield of betel leaf in Amtali, Barguna, small growers have nothing to smile about. Unable to get a good price even at the height of the season, they are worried. Large quantities of betel leaf are coming to market but not enough is selling, so farmers are also struggling to send consignments elsewhere and are suffering heavy losses. Yet the same betel leaf from the villages still sells at high prices in the cities. Meanwhile, in Amtali's markets it is going for next to nothing.

According to the agriculture office, there are more than 1,500 betel leaf farmers across the seven unions of Amtali upazila. Although labour wages have risen and oil cake, bamboo splints and other inputs cost more, betel leaf has to be sold for next to nothing at the upazila's markets. A pai (24 chali) worth Tk 1,000 now has to be sold for Tk 100.

Small farmers say wholesalers formed a syndicate and cut prices, taking advantage of transport problems during the coronavirus pandemic. Wholesalers say demand for betel leaf is much lower than before. Farmers are frustrated at not getting a fair price. These working people in rural areas believe that if the government breaks the syndicate and helps them, small growers will get back on their feet.

Betel leaf farmers Badal Dafadar and Rahim Bepari of Kukua and Chaora unions said growers have not got a fair price this year even at the peak of the season, compared with last year. With prices not rising, small farmers face losses. "Forget profit, it is doubtful whether this year's sales will even cover the cost of growing," they said. Many farmers will lose money. Betel leaf worth Tk 1,000 a pai (24 chali) now sells for Tk 100, and they are struggling even to pay day labourers.

Upazila agriculture officer CM Rezaul Karim said by phone: "We try to make sure there are no problems with the betel leaf yield. There is demand for betel leaf all over the country. The yield is bumper, but prices this year are very low compared with last year. If betel leaf could be sent from here to other places, farmers would get better prices."

Source: Kaler Kantho. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.