Barishal: Rows of betel nut trees lining homesteads, courtyards, ponds, and village roads are a familiar sight across rural Barishal. Once grown mainly for household consumption, betel nut cultivation has gradually emerged as an important source of additional income for thousands of families in the division. Beyond homestead cultivation, commercial farming of the crop is also expanding, turning betel nut into an increasingly promising cash crop and an important component of the rural economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, production data from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) for the 2025-26 fiscal year shows that betel nut was cultivated on 22,846 hectares of land in six districts of Barishal division, yielding 108,666.2 metric tonnes of the crop. Bhola is at the forefront of this growth, with around 13,500 hectares under cultivation and nearly 68,000 tonnes produced, contributing significantly to the division's output. Pirojpur follows with around 17,071 tonnes from 4,579 hectares, while Patuakhali and Barguna produced 15,339 tonnes and nearly 5,670 tonnes from 1,548 and 810 hectares, respectively. Jhalkathi and Barishal district also contributed with 8,666 tonnes and nearly 1,720 tonnes from 481 and 1,544 hectares, respectively.
One distinctive aspect of betel nut cultivation in Barishal is its integration with homesteads, eliminating the need for separate agricultural land. Trees are commonly grown in courtyards, around ponds, and along field boundaries, allowing families to generate income from otherwise unused land. Farmer Jabbar mentioned, "We meet our family's needs with the betel nuts produced on our homestead and sell the surplus. The money helps us meet various household expenses." Similarly, Shahobdul Islam of Laharhat and Saddam Hossain of Dapdapia expressed satisfaction with the current market for betel nuts, which provides additional income after fulfilling household requirements.
The growing betel nut trade benefits not only growers but also local traders, wholesalers, laborers, and those involved in transportation. During the harvesting season, traders collect betel nuts from villages and transport them to local markets and wholesale centers, from where they are supplied to different parts of the country. This has created an economic chain involving cultivation, harvesting, collection, transportation, trading, and distribution.
Farmers note that betel nut is relatively profitable due to its year-round demand and Barishal's favorable soil and climate conditions, which offer potential for further expansion. However, they emphasize the need for improved disease and pest management, supply of better planting materials, modern cultivation practices, and fair pricing to sustain farmer interest.
Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of DAE in Barishal division, confirmed the region's suitability for betel nut cultivation, stating, "Both production and the economic importance of betel nut are increasing in the region because of its cultivation on homesteads as well as commercially." He highlighted the potential for increased production through improved varieties, proper care, and modern technologies, suggesting that effective initiatives in farmer training, technical advice, and improved storage and marketing facilities could enhance betel nut's role in the rural economy.
Agricultural experts agree that planned expansion of cultivation, improved saplings, farmer training, and modern technologies could further boost production. Better storage and processing facilities could also reduce post-harvest losses, enabling farmers to secure better prices. Current production figures indicate that betel nut has evolved beyond its traditional role as a homestead tree in Barishal, with over 108,666 tonnes produced from 22,846 hectares. With strategic government support and improved cultivation practices, betel nut has the potential to become a major cash crop of Barishal division, significantly contributing to rural incomes and the regional economy.