Teknaf, Sept 29 (V7N) – Farmers in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar are expecting a bumper harvest of betel nuts this season, with favourable weather, timely rainfall, balanced fertiliser use and improved pest and disease management contributing to higher production.

With no major natural disasters disrupting the season, farmers have been able to collect betel nuts on time. Growers and traders expect their incomes to increase if production remains high and market prices stay favourable.

According to the local agriculture office, betel nut is cultivated commercially across several unions in Teknaf. Sabranj Union has the largest area under cultivation, with betel nut gardens covering about 370 hectares.

Betel nut is cultivated on around 360 hectares in Baharchhara Union, 350 hectares in Teknaf Sadar Union, 40 hectares in Hnila Union, 50 hectares in Whykong Union and 10 hectares in Saint Martin’s Island Union.

Altogether, betel nut gardens cover approximately 1,280 hectares across the upazila.

The agriculture department has set a production target of 11,240 metric tonnes of betel nuts for the current season. Last season, around 10,240 metric tonnes were produced from the same area.

The increase in production is expected to bring higher earnings for farmers and those involved in the betel nut trade.

Betel nuts produced in Teknaf meet local demand and are also transported to different parts of Bangladesh. Traders say betel nuts from the area are also exported abroad, creating economic opportunities for farmers, traders and workers involved in harvesting, processing, transportation and marketing.

Farmers said betel nuts generally begin appearing on the trees around May and June and mature around September and October. Once mature, the nuts are harvested and either sold in local markets or preserved at home using traditional methods.

Locally preserved betel nuts are known as “wet betel nuts.” During the peak harvesting season, some traders purchase betel nuts from farmers and preserve them using special methods. They later sell the preserved nuts during the off-season, including the rainy season, when prices tend to be higher.

Many local farmers and traders are earning additional income by preserving betel nuts and selling them later at higher prices.

Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Md Shafiul Alam said betel nut had been cultivated on around 1,280 hectares in Teknaf.

“About 10,240 metric tonnes of betel nuts were produced from these gardens last season, while the production target for the current season has been set at 11,240 metric tonnes,” he said.

He added that favourable weather conditions could result in production exceeding the target.

Teknaf Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Humayun Kabir said regular communication between farmers and field-level agricultural officials had contributed to the improved harvest.

“Farmers have received practical field-based training on fertiliser management and the prevention and control of diseases and pests,” he said.

The agriculture department expects betel nut production in Teknaf to continue increasing in the coming years and said it would also work to help farmers receive fair prices for their produce.

END/MFA/SMA/