BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th March 2025: Chittagong Basti, a modest settlement in Sukantanagar Gram Panchayat of Kumarghat subdivision has long been hailed as a hub for high-quality betel leaves cultivation. Over the decades, the betel leaves grown here has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond local borders tantalizing taste buds in Agartala, the capital city of Tripura and even in the bustling city of Silchar in neighboring Assam. However, this celebrated center of betel leaves farming is now grappling with formidable challenges, raising concerns about the future of this age-old agricultural heritage.
The history of Chittagong Basti is as rich as its famed betel leaves. The area owes its name to the thousands of men and women who fleeing their homeland in Chittagong district, Bangladesh sought refuge here decades ago. Bringing with them the expertise and traditions of betel leaves cultivation, these settlers transformed the barren lands into a verdant expanse of betel leaves farms. “We carried with us not just memories of Chittagong but also the skills to turn the soil into sustenance,” recalls Rasamoy Dey, a local farmer with decades of experience.
Over time, the settlement blossomed into a significant betel leaves cultivation hub, driving the economy of the area and uplifting the lives of countless families. “Betel leaves farming have been the backbone of our community. It fed our children, built our homes, and gave us dignity,” says Dayamoy Dey, another long-time farmer in Chittagong Basti.
Yet, these golden days now seem to be fading. Local betel leaves farmers are facing mounting obstacles, from changing climatic conditions to shifting consumer preferences. “The weather isn’t what it used to be. Excessive rain one year, drought the next—our crops just can’t keep up,” laments Rasamoy De. He also points out the waning interest in betel leaves among consumers. “Older generations have reduced their consumption due to health concerns, and the younger generation is turning to alternatives like pan masala, ghutka, and other processed products. It’s disheartening to see.”
The rise of these alternatives has deeply impacted the demand for traditional betel leaves. “Products like ghutka and pan masala are easy to consume and heavily marketed. They’ve taken over a significant portion of the market,” adds Dayamoy Dey with a note of concern. Farmers fear that, at this rate, betel leaves cultivation might face the same fate as several other traditional crops that have vanished over time.
Adding to their woes is the lack of adequate infrastructure for selling their produce. Currently, betel leaves farmers rely on a bi-weekly wholesale market held under a tree at Kumarghat Netaji Chowmuhani. “We don’t even have a proper market shed,” says a frustrated farmer. “Selling under the open sky exposes us to all sorts of inconveniences. On rainy days, it’s almost impossible to conduct business.”
Despite these adversities, the farmers of Chittagong Basti remain hopeful for intervention and support. They urge the local authorities to establish a permanent market shed and create policies that would revive the interest in betel leaves cultivation. “If given the right infrastructure and encouragement, our fields can thrive again, and Chittagong Basti can reclaim its lost glory,” asserts Rasamoy Dey.
The plight of Chittagong Basti’s betel leaves farmers is a stark reminder of the challenges that traditional farming practices face in the modern world. While the community has shown resilience in the past, it now looks to government bodies, organizations, and consumers for support in preserving their legacy—a legacy that has flavored countless lives, one betel leaves leaf at a time.
