Teliamura, Feb 21, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Teliamura, Feb 21: Despite steady demand, betel leaf farmers are reportedly facing losses due to rising costs and lack of government support. 

Betel leaf is a unique crop that can be cultivated four times a year on the same land, providing a livelihood for many farmers. 

However, current market conditions have left them struggling.

Farmers say that while demand remains high, they are not receiving fair prices for their produce. 

Besides, they have long been deprived of government assistance for cultivation. Keshab Bhattacharjee, a betel leaf farmer from the Brahmacherra area under the Teliamura Sub-Divisional Agriculture Department, shared his concerns. 

He stated that essential farming supplies, including fertilizers and pesticides, must be purchased at high market prices, as the government does not provide these materials.

He further mentioned that agricultural officials have visited his betel leaf plantation several times, but no financial or material assistance has been provided. His family has been engaged in betel leaf farming for generations, and while they previously made a profit, current production costs outweigh their earnings.

Farmers believe that if the administration provides fertilizers and pesticides through the Agriculture Department, betel leaf cultivation could become profitable again. They urge the government to take necessary steps to support them.