Despite intermittent rain, trading in betel leaves and areca nuts remains brisk at Sonarpara market in Cox’s Bazar, where growers and traders are enjoying a productive monsoon season.
A bumper harvest of betel leaves has boosted farmers’ confidence, while strong demand for fresh areca nuts has enabled sellers to secure favourable prices.
Local betel leaf grower Jasim Uddin said this season’s crop had been particularly beneficial. Regular rainfall has helped produce larger-than-usual leaves, which fetch higher prices in the market.
“The quality has been excellent this year. Because the leaves are bigger, buyers are paying better prices, and we expect a good return,” he said.
Many areca nut growers had buried part of their harvest underground before the monsoon to preserve freshness.
As demand for fresh areca nuts has increased, they are now digging them up and bringing them to market.
Trader Miraj Hossain said a pon—a local trading unit—consists of 80 areca nuts. A pon of premium-quality nuts is currently selling for Tk550-Tk600, while smaller nuts are fetching Tk400-Tk450.
Traders said the monsoon season traditionally boosts demand for both betel leaves and fresh areca nuts.
As a result, business at Sonarpara market continues uninterrupted despite the rain, with growers and merchants optimistic about the remainder of the season thanks to healthy production and satisfactory prices.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
