West Bengal: Betel Leaf Research Institute demand emerges as poll issue in Assembly elections

Farmers and traders engaged in the betel leaf (paan) industry have been seeking the establishment of an institute that could undertake research on processing, explore medicinal properties, and address persistent cultivation challenges.

"We have formally requested the government to establish a dedicated Betel Leaf Research Institute to support the industry, but it is yet to come into existence," said Mahadev Das, President of the Betel Leaf Traders' Association.

The association had also urged Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee to raise issues related to betel leaves in Parliament.

However, Das expressed disappointment, saying, "Our betel leaves are distributed throughout India, and some of the high-quality leaves are even exported to international markets like London and Saudi Arabia," adding that the MP's speech in the House "lacks mention of Paan."

Highlighting the scale of the trade, Das said that while an exact daily figure is difficult to ascertain, the volume remains substantial. "From this market alone, roughly 1,400 tubs are being dispatched regularly," he said.

He also flagged logistical challenges in transporting produce to northeastern states. "We face significant logistical hurdles while transporting betel leaves to Manipur and Nagaland. In Manipur and Nagaland, there is an additional issue where dispatched leaves are seized mid-transit and never reach the traders," Das said, adding that "while transport across the rest of India is smooth, Nagaland and Manipur remain problematic zones to us."

Calling for improved connectivity, he added, "Currently, we utilise both rail and road networks for distribution of leaves across the country... We urge the government to initiate a direct train route from here to Guwahati (North East) so that the farmers' produce reaches its destination safely and efficiently."

Betel leaf farmer Lav Kumar stressed the importance of scientific support for cultivation. "To ensure high-quality yields of betel leaves, a research institute is essential. If we can farm using scientific research, it will be far more beneficial for the farmers," he said.

Appealing to whichever government comes to power, he added, "We appeal to the government, whichever comes to power, to make necessary arrangements for research and development in this sector."

Kumar also highlighted immediate concerns affecting cultivation. "With the current summer heat, there is a critical need for water for betel leaf cultivation. The market rate for betel leaves is also highly volatile; compared to last year, we are receiving much lower prices this season. If transport logistics were better organised, it would be much easier to distribute our produce across the country," he said.

"Our entire livelihood depends on this farming. If these facilities aren't improved and betel leaf cultivation shuts down, it is going to affect nearly 100,000 people directly and indirectly," he warned.

Another farmer, Gautam Kumar highlighted the scale of dependency on the sector. "Approximately 200,000 people depend on betel leaf cultivation for their livelihood and despite this, there is no research institute in this region, nor are there any facilities across the entire state dedicated to carrying out research for improving the quality of these leaves," he said.

"If a research institute is established, it would be highly beneficial for farmers, enabling them to grow superior, high-quality betel leaves," he added.

As the elections approach, stakeholders say the demand for institutional support, better logistics, and stable market conditions is likely to influence voting preferences in the region.

West Bengal is headed for Assembly Elections with polling to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled to be held on May 4. (ANI)