Although betel leaf has yielded well in Pirojpur, growers are worried because of the severe cold. Cold and fog are making the leaves fall from the vines, and various pest attacks are damaging them, leaving growers facing heavy losses. This is the time of year when growers usually make some profit, but the continuing cold and fog are causing them big losses.

Samir, a betel grower in Kadamtala union of Sadar upazila, said: "The leaves are turning yellow and falling in the cold and fog. On top of that, pochhla insects and other attacks are ruining the leaves. If this goes on, forget profit — we will not even get our capital back."

Uttam Das, a grower from Ranipur village in Sadar upazila, said: "The market price of betel leaf is now Tk 150–200 a pon, but fallen leaves are selling for Tk 45–55. We have put polythene covers over the vineyards as before, but it is not working. We have told the agriculture office about the problem but are getting no help."

Abu Hena Mohammad Jafar, deputy director of the Pirojpur Khamarbari (Department of Agricultural Extension office), said: "Betel leaf has been grown on 968 hectares in the district this year. Because it is colder this year, the leaves are falling. But we always try to stand by growers with support."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.