Puri: The All India Betel Farmers Association organized a national conference today in Puri. The conference was chaired by a presidium formed under the leadership of Ashwini Jana and Duryodhan Pradhan. During the event, Rajan Kshirasagar, National President of the Farmers’ Association, former Minister Brajakishore Tripathi from Odisha, former Minister Srikumar Mukherjee from West Bengal, National Vice President Ashi Prasad Kanungo, Shashibhushan Swain, and Kshirod Prasad Singdeo, among others, participated.
It was discussed that betel leaf is cultivated in six states, generating revenue worth crores of rupees for the central government. However, the government has not provided adequate support to address the challenges faced by betel farmers. Despite being cultivated on small patches of land, betel farming sustains many families. If beverages can be produced from betel leaves, millions of betel farmers would benefit. The speakers urged the government to conduct research in this direction.
Several key demands were raised at the conference, including:
Declaring betel leaf as the national leaf,
Providing interest-free loans of ₹50,000 to betel farmers,
Setting a minimum price for betel leaves,
Removing GST on betel leaves,
Encouraging traders to purchase betel leaves directly from farmers, and
Establishing an independent railway transportation system for betel leaf trade.
Discussions will be held with the central and state governments regarding these demands. Additionally, plans were made to organize a structured movement for betel farmers.
The conference was inaugurated with a welcome address by Pradipta Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of the Appeal Committee, who highlighted Puri’s historical significance. Dr. Srimati Koel from West Bengal, who is conducting research on betel leaves, discussed their medicinal properties and potential for beverage production.
The conference will continue for two days.
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