Betel leaf production rises on good monsoon

Good monsoon has given betel farmers a reason to cheer as the production of betel leaf has risen this season. Wholesale dealers in Uttar Pradesh (UP) expect the output to increase 15-20 per cent this year.

After consistent rain since July, the new crop from UP, West Bengal, Tripura and Madhya Pradesh has arrived a little early in the market. Bumper production has also helped bring down prices.

Besides, Bangladesh has also seen good crop this year due to heavy rain in the region. Nearly half the demand of betel in India is met through imports from Bangladesh.

It may be mentioned that poor monsoon and rough winters had destroyed the betel crop last year. Due to a drop in production, prices in India as well Bangladesh reached record highs. The Desi Bangla Paan (local variety of betel leaf) was sold at Rs 250-300 a bundle, while the price of Maghi Benarusi Paan was Rs 1,000 a bundle, last year. One bundle comprises 160 leaves.

This year, the price of Desi Bangla betel leaf has fallen to Rs 60-70 a bundle, while the one from Varanasi is selling for Rs 200 a bundle. Wholesale traders expect prices to rise only in winter, when the arrival of fresh stock comes to a halt.

According to agri scientist S K Singh, 66 per cent of the total betel leaf production in the country comes from West Bengal, while UP contributes 22 per cent. He said this year the total cultivated area for betel leaf had reduced 10 per cent, but bumper production has compensated for it. The annual turnover of the betel leaf industry in the country is around Rs 900 crore.