How betel cultivation changed the fortunes of three Naogaon villages

What was once a farming community dependent on seasonal rice cultivation has evolved into a thriving hub of commercial betel leaf production, bringing prosperity and optimism to hundreds of families in three villages of Naogaon.

For many farming families in Jalm, Magura, and Jageshwar, the vibrant green betel gardens symbolise more than agricultural success—they represent financial independence and a promising future built leaf by leaf.

About 11 kilometers of the three villages under Kirtipur Union in Sadar upazila are now widely known as the district's "betel villages."

Rows of neatly maintained betel gardens stretch across homesteads and agricultural fields, reflecting years of hard work and investment by farmers who have embraced the high-value crop as a sustainable source of income.

Home to around 2,500 people, the three villages have become a model for commercial betel cultivation, replacing traditional dependence on paddy farming with a more profitable agricultural enterprise.
 
From Rice Fields to Prosperity

According to local farmers and officials, the area's elevated, flood-free sandy loam soil and favorable climate provide ideal conditions for betel cultivation.

Combined with controlled irrigation, proper drainage, regular maintenance, and guidance from agricultural extension officials, farmers have developed efficient and modern cultivation practices.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said commercial betel cultivation has gradually expanded in the area over the past 15 years.

Currently, nearly 300 farmers operate more than 700 betel gardens across the three villages, producing a variety of betel leaves, including Bangla, Mitha, Sachi, Karpoori, Gach, Natiya Basut, Ujani, and Maghi. The produce is supplied to markets across Bangladesh.

A Profitable Alternative

Farmers say betel cultivation has become significantly more lucrative than traditional rice farming.
 
Arup Kumar Mondal and Bikash Chandra Mondal, both farmers from Magura village, said interest in betel farming has grown rapidly in recent years because it provides year-round production and substantially higher returns.
 
Unlike rice, betel gives us income throughout the year. It has become our main source of financial security, they said.

Bidhan Chandra, a farmer of Jalm village, has been cultivating betel for about 15 years. He currently manages five bighas of plantations.

According to him, establishing a betel garden requires an initial investment of around Tk1,10,000 per bigha, covering bamboo structures, irrigation systems, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor.

Although the startup costs are relatively high, farmers recover their investment quickly through continuous harvesting.
 
"A betel garden remains productive for five to six years. Leaves can be harvested at least twice a week, yielding more than 4,000 leaves weekly," he said.

Depending on quality and size, large betel leaves currently sell for Tk3,500 to Tk4,000 per poa (a traditional trading unit), while medium-sized leaves fetch Tk1,500 to Tk2,500 and smaller leaves sell for Tk500 to Tk1,500.

Growing Markets

Sunil Chandra Pramanik of Jageshwar village cultivates betel on seven bighas of land and considers the crop a life-changing investment.

He said each bigha can generate sales worth Tk1,50,000 to Tk2,00,000 during the production season.

The harvested betel leaves are transported to markets in Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, and several other districts. Many wholesalers now visit the villages directly to purchase fresh produce from farmers, reducing marketing costs and ensuring better prices.

Despite the sector's success, farmers continue to face risks.

During the monsoon, a fungal disease locally known as Dalapacha poses a serious threat to betel gardens. Farmers say timely application of recommended fungicides, following advice from agricultural officials, helps keep the disease under control.

Inspiring Other Farmers

Zillur Rahman, Kirtipur Union Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer, said commercial betel cultivation in Naogaon is concentrated mainly in these three villages.

"The success of farmers here is encouraging growers in neighboring areas to take up betel cultivation. Since the crop can be harvested throughout the year, it has established itself as a sustainable and profitable farming enterprise," he said.
 
Md Monjur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Naogaon Department of Agricultural Extension, said betel is being cultivated on 43 hectares of land across the district during the current season.
 
He said the department is providing regular training and technical assistance to farmers to increase production, improve cultivation practices, and ensure better profitability.