By TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th February 2025: Betel leaf farmers in the Chitagangvasti area of Kumarghat are facing severe difficulties in betel production due to a lack of irrigation water. The ongoing dry season has caused betel plantations to wither, leading to reduced crop yields and soaring betel prices in the market. Betel leaf, one of Tripura’s cash crops, is extensively cultivated across the state. The Chitagangvasti area of Kumarghat in Unakoti district is particularly renowned for its betel leaf cultivation, with betel from this region being exported to various rural markets from the capital city of Tripura.
Tapan Dey, a local betel farmer voiced the concerns of the farming community. “Betel leaf cultivation is the only means of livelihood for more than two hundred families in this area. But currently, our income has been severely affected,” he said. “Proper irrigation is required for a good yield of betel plantations. Due to the lack of an irrigation water system near the land, irrigation is being disrupted during this dry season, which naturally affects production. Betel leaves are withering, and the price of betel leaves is increasing in the market,” he added
He further highlighted the challenges faced by the farmers. “There is no shed for us to sell betel leaves in the market. As a result, we have to market our produce while braving the sun and rain. We demand that the government make proper irrigation arrangements for the production of betel leaves. If production increases, the price of betel leaves in the market will also decrease, benefiting both betel farmers and the common people.”
Another betel farmer in the area echoed these sentiments. “Due to the inability to water the betel leaves in the current dry season, we cannot provide large betel leaves to the buyers. New betel leaves are not growing on the trees. Betel leaves were extensively damaged in the past hailstorm, and we have not received any assistance from the government till date. We demand government assistance,” he explained.
The lack of irrigation has severely impacted betel leaf production, resulting in decreased supply in the state market. Consequently, betel leaves are being sold at higher prices, causing distress for both buyers and betel farmers. The farming community urges the government to provide the necessary support to ensure the sustainability of betel cultivation in the region.
