After days of storms and rain, betel leaf farmers in Ukhiya are once again busy tending to their plantations. A visit to different areas of Ukhiya upazila revealed that farmers were engaged in caring for their betel leaf gardens, despite the challenges posed by the recent weather.
Local farmer Mohammad Khurshed shared that strong winds across Cox’s Bazar damaged many betel leaf plantations in various upazilas. The storms and heavy rains have caused severe damage, breaking down most of the betel leaf trellises, leaving many farmers facing heavy losses.
Khurshed further mentioned that just as the betel vines were starting to grow this season, storms and rain began, preventing many farmers from harvesting and selling their leaves in the market. He explained that maintaining a medium-sized betel leaf plantation costs around Tk 80,000 to Tk 90,000, and this season, many farmers fear they will not be able to recover their investment.
However, he expressed hope that if the weather remains stable in the coming weeks, farmers may still see success in this betel leaf season.
Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
