Virus attack on betel leaf

Cultivation of traditional Khasi paan (betel leaf) in Sylhet region faces setback due to attack by a virus, locally known as utram, for over a month.

The leaf with medicinal properties has significant socio-cultural and ceremonial uses and is widely cultivated in hilly lands of around 90 punjee areas inhabited by indigenous Khasi and Mandi peoples in Sylhet region.

The areas belong to Kulaura, Juri, Barlekha, Kamalganj and Srimangal upazilas of Moulvibazar, Guainghat and Kanaighat upazilas of Sylhet, and Bahubal and Chunarughat upazilas of Habiganj, said sources at the Department of Agricultural Extension.

“But betel leaf production in punjee areas faces setback as utram virus attacks the leaves when there is heavy rain and heat. The affected leaves change colour and gradually the whole of the garden is ruined,” said Donbosko Khongstia, a betel leaf farmer of Lamapunjee of Guainghat upazila of Sylhet.

Mihir Sangma, a farmer of Madhabkundo punjee in Barlekha upazila of Moulvibazar, said farmers suffer loss due to frequent virus attack and other natural calamities like cold bite and storm.

Kmen Surong, 45, betel leaf farmer of Husnabad punjee in Srimangal upazila of Moulvibazar, said earlier a mutha comprising 144 pieces of betel leaves sold for Tk 200 to Tk 300 but the prices has come down to as low as Tk 15 as people do not like to buy the virus affected leaves.

“Indigenous farmers try to deal with the problems in their traditional way. But we need modern technological support to save the betel leaves from diseases and expand its cultivation,” Monika Khonglah, headman of Meghatila punjee in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar, said.

Agricultural officials said the nature of the ongoing attack on betel leaves seems to be a different one and they can hardly offer any help in this regard. 

Monirul Islam, assistant professor of the Department of Plant Pathology and Seed Science at Sylhet Agriculture University, said betel leaf grown in the district has high demand at home and abroad for its quality and flavour.

But there is hardly any place for farmers to seek advice, especially in case of frequent attack by Utram virus.

He suggested establishment of a betel leaf research institute in Sylhet that will be highly helpful to the growers.