Several days of continuous rain have severely damaged betel leaf farms across various parts of Cox’s Bazar, especially in the hilly areas of Ukhiya upazila. Heavy downpours combined with flash floods have caused significant losses to local farmers.
Despite falling market prices, many growers are being forced to harvest their crops prematurely and sell them at a loss, as waterlogging is ruining their farms.
Farmers report that persistent rainfall has led to rotting in the plantations, triggering widespread frustration among them. It starts with dark patches forming at the base of the plants, eventually causing the entire plant to die. Even the application of pesticides and treatments has proven ineffective. As a result, many growers are now facing serious financial setbacks.
Another farmer noted that the leaves are turning yellow and the plants are dying rapidly. As a result, the wholesale market price for betel leaves has plummeted. With production costs already incurred, growers are now unsure whether they’ll even be able to recover their investments, let alone make any profit.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
