A bumper harvest of betel nuts has brought joy to farmers in Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar this year. Known for its fertile soil and hilly terrain, the region has long been a profitable zone for betel nut cultivation.
But this season, both the yield and market prices have been excellent, putting smiles on farmers’ faces.
From September onward, ripe betel nuts have started arriving in local markets, fetching lucrative prices for growers. As a result, farming households across Tekn
af — one of the country’s key betel nut–producing areas — are reaping the benefits of a successful season.
Md. Shafiul Alam, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer of Teknaf, said, “This year, betel nuts were cultivated on 1,260 hectares of land in the upazila, producing around 30,000 metric tons — significantly higher than last year.”
He added that timely training, advice, and support from the Department of Agricultural Extension contributed to the higher yield.
Beyond local markets, betel nuts from Teknaf are in strong demand across various regions of the country.
Easy to grow in backyards, hill slopes, and unused lands with minimal care, betel nut cultivation has become a profitable agricultural venture for many farmers in the southernmost upazila.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
