Thousands of betel leaf farmers in Haimchar and Faridganj upazilas of the district are in dire straits this year as the betel leaves are turning yellowish.
The farmers express fear that they might have to count huge losses as they would not get the fair prices of betel leaves.
Due to climate change, severe cold and dense fog in recent weeks, the betel leaves are turning yellowish for fungus and thus making the farmers worried and frustrated.
During visit to some areas in Haimchar upazila, this correspondent found almost rotten roots of many plants at Chhoto Luxmipur, Dhelerchar, Mohojampur and Noyani Luxmipur and a few other places.
Harun, 48, a betel leaf farmer in Faridganj upazila, said, "We are not getting real prices of betel leaves in the open wholesale markets in Haimchar this year due to the conditions of betel leaves."
Boshu Bepari, 50, betel leaf trader at Alghi Bazar in Haimchar upazila, said, "Once betel leaves of Haimchar were exported abroad. But due to the coronavirus pandemic and other reasons, export of betel leaves has dropped significantly."
Betel leaf is the main cash crop of the farmers in Haimchar upazila. For generations, they have been growing this crop as their fields are suitable for cultivating betel leaf.
Uttar Alghi, Char Bhairabi, Dakshin Alghi and Haimchar unions of Haimchar upazila and a few areas in Faridganj upazila are the major areas of growing bumper betel leaf.
District Agriculture Officer Naresh Chandra Das said, "Haimchar and part of Faridganj are the only betel leaf producing areas in the entire district. It is produced on highlands just beside the dwelling houses in shadowy places."
Upazila Krishi Officer Debobrata Sarker said, "There are over 3,500 betel leaf farmers in Haimchar and a few farmers in Faridganj upazilas. A total of 220 hectares of land have been brought under betel leaf cultivation in Haimchar and about 60 hectares in Faridganj upazila. We are giving proper advice to the farmers so that their crops are not affected by fungus or any other diseases."
"But we have nothing to do if weather changes," he said, adding, that he has sent a detailed report to the higher authorities informing them about a massive loss betel leaf farmers incur.
In the report, he has also stated that the farmers have incurred a huge loss, amounting to about Tk 190 million (19 crore) during the fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21 due to natural calamities and extreme weather conditions like severe cold and thick fog.
