Experimental betel leaf farming successful at Raninagar

RANINAGAR, NAOGAON, July 22: An experimental betel leaf (paan) cultivation has been introduced in Raninagar Upazila of Naogaon, a district widely known for rice production, by farmer Shahidul Islam.

Traditionally, farmers in the area depend mainly on Boro and Aman rice cultivation. However, Shahidul Islam has stepped away from this single-crop dependency and started cultivating betel leaf as a profitable alternative crop.

Now in its second year, the betel leaf garden has already yielded around six harvest cycles, with produce being sold in the local market. The farmer said the returns have been encouraging, creating optimism about expanding cultivation in the future.

Shahidul Islam said he plans to increase the area under betel leaf cultivation if he receives necessary technical and institutional support from the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE).

He also noted that while some progressive farmers have visited his farm to observe the cultivation method, no officials from the DAE have yet visited the site. He, however, believes that proper technical guidance and support could further improve production prospects.
“Betel leaf is a profitable crop. It generates income throughout the year,” he said.

Locals said Shahidul Islam, 45, from Tong village under Ekdala union, has long been engaged in farming rice and vegetables. Around 10 years ago, his son was married in Baneshwar area of Rajshahi. During visits to his in-laws’ house, he became interested in betel leaf cultivation after observing farms there and later started cultivation with advice and support from relatives.

He began betel leaf cultivation about a year ago on 7 decimals of his ancestral land in Tong mouza. Initially managing the farm himself, he gradually developed the crop with assistance from his son’s in-laws whenever disease or other issues appeared.

Within four months, he earned around Tk 15,000 from the first harvest. Since then, the farm has been generating around Tk 90,000 annually, with regular sales every 15 days worth about Tk 14,000, according to the farmer.

He said the betel leaves from his farm are in high demand due to their taste and quality, and demand is increasing in the market.
Raninagar Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Mostakima Khatun, said she was unaware of any existing betel leaf garden in the area.

“I have learned about this for the first time through you. It is a very positive initiative,” she said, adding that she would visit the farm and provide necessary technical support and advice.

She said since betel leaf cultivation is rare in the upazila, farmers often lack direct guidance, but initiatives like Shahidul Islam’s could create new opportunities for diversified agriculture in the region.

She expressed hope that the farmer would achieve further success in the coming days.