Betel leaves are linked to the lives of Bengalis but in recent times, these have become costlier. In the last two months, the price of each bira (80 pieces) has seen a Tk 70 to Tk 80 surge. The price of betel nuts has also soared some people feel that as the New Year sets in, the price of betel leaves may double.

At the beginning of the running year, each bira of Rajshahi betel leaves sold for Tk 100 to Tk 110 but now the price is around Tk 180.

 Rajshahi betel leaves are known as sweet leaves while the ones from Barishal are hot.

A betel leaf seller says: “The price of betel nuts is also rising and dry betel nuts need to be bought for Tk 200 to Tk 250 per kg with prices often going up to Tk 400.”

In the 2017-18 fiscal year, betel leaves were cultivated over 54,890 acres of land. The highest production is in Khulna followed by Chattogram.

In the last few years, the export of betel leaves declined, said Din Islam of the betel leaf society.

In Barishal, farmers make profit form betel leaf cultivation. A farmer said: “Last year, we made a profit of Tk 100,000.”

Another farmer said that his family expenses plus the cost of children's education depend on betel leaf cultivation.

Whole seller Saddam Hossain says: “Three parties often send sweet Rajshahi betel leaves to Saudi Arabia.”

As per Agri information service, in 2016-17, -.75 tonnes of betel leaves were exported.

Agriculture officer, Md Monjur Hossain, says: “Export was suspended last few years and it began this year.”

Upazila chairman of Bagmara, Rajshahi, Anil Kumar, observed: “Around 25,000 farmers are linked to betel farming and we need storage facilities for betel leaves too.”