Agartala, February 06, 2025: The influx of Burmese betel nut into the state of Tripura through the secret route has raised serious concerns among local farmers, posing a significant threat to their livelihoods. Large quantities of Burmese betel nut are entering the state through various inter-state borders in the northern district, causing panic among the garden farmers.
Allegations have surfaced that an unscrupulous group associated with the ruling BJP party is involved in this illegal trade. It is claimed that several individuals have amassed wealth by importing Burmese betel nut through the Chura route. However, this illegal activity is endangering the local mango farmers and affecting the state’s agriculture economy.
“At one time, the state used to produce domestic betel nut locally, and many people earned their living by cultivating and selling it. Unfortunately, the influx of Burmese betel nut has severely impacted local production and sales,” said a concerned farmer from the region.
The competition in betel nut production has dwindled over the years. Farmers, ranging from unemployed youth to large-scale producers, have lost enthusiasm for cultivation. A few years ago, there was significant interest in betel nut plantations, with satisfactory prices for their produce. However, the current scenario has changed drastically due to the easy availability of Burmese betel nut in the market.
The local betel nut is no longer attracting buyers, and there are challenges in exporting it to Assam, a major market for Tripura’s betel nut. “We used to export large quantities of betel nut to Assam, including areas like Silchar, Karimganj, and Badarpur. Now, the demand has decreased significantly due to the abundance of Burmese betel nut,” explained another farmer.
Previously, betel nut wholesalers from other states would visit Tripura’s gardens to purchase betel nuts directly. However, this practice has ceased, and farmers are struggling to sell their produce. Many gardens are now witnessing unsold betel nuts drying under the trees, leading to extreme disappointment among the farmers.
The livelihood of people in rural and hilly areas of the state heavily depended on betel nut cultivation. The influx of Burmese betel nut has dealt a severe blow to their socio-economic conditions. “The arrival of Burmese betel nut is having a terrible impact on our livelihoods. Our produce is not selling, and we are facing financial difficulties,” lamented a local farmer.
Farmers are urging the government to take immediate action to curb the illegal import of Burmese betel nut and protect the local agriculture sector. They hope for a swift resolution to this issue to restore the prosperity of betel nut cultivation in the state.
