By Azad Ruhul Amin BAGERHAT, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) – Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has expected highest betel nut production in Bagerhat district in the past 10 years.  Officials report that betel nut has been cultivated on 3,960 hectares of land this year, with a production target set at 28,990 metric tons. Already, 65 percent of the nuts have been collected, and favorable weather could allow farmers to exceed the target. For years after Cyclone Sidr, betel nut production in the coastal district suffered severely due to high soil salinity. Many garden owners, once dependent on the crop for their livelihoods, faced major losses. This year’s improved harvest—described by farmers as the best in a decade—has renewed hope, bringing smiles back to the faces of growers and their families. Bagerhat Sadar recorded the highest betel nut cultivation area with 1,200 hectares, followed by Kachua 1,153 hectares, Morelganj 750 hectares, Sharankhola 300 hectares, Fakirhat 250 hectares, Chitalmari 120 hectares, Rampal 122 hectares, Mollahat 60 hectares and Mongla 3 hectares. Last year, the district produced 26,800 metric tons of betel nut. Officials said  increased rainfall at the end of monsoon and reduced salinity this year have created ideal conditions, boosting production significantly. Betel nut, a major cash crop in the region, typically takes about five years from planting to bear fruit, with yields increasing gradually over time. The main harvesting season runs from September to December. Nuts from Bagerhat are supplied nationwide, including to Dhaka, Chattogram, Feni and other districts. Local markets—such as Bagerhat Dargah, Jatrapur Hat’s Kachua Bazar, Ghazalia Bazar, Fakirhat Bazar and Jatrapur Bazar—are bustling with trade.  Betel nut trader Mosharraf told BSS that a dozen nuts (which may include 231 or 264 pieces depending on the area) are selling for Taka 400–600 on average. Prices are expected to rise further toward the end of the season. Tourists and visiting relatives often flock to local shops to buy and taste the region’s betel nuts, adding to the demand. Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Tapan Kumar Majumder said that interest in betel nut cultivation is rising among farmers. “Already 65 percent of the nuts have been collected. If the weather remains favorable, we expect to exceed the production target. Betel nut has a strong demand nationwide,” he said. Deputy Director of DAE Md. Motahar Hossain said improved varieties from the Bangladesh Coconut Research Center are helping farmers achieve better yields.  “After Sidr in 2007, salinity and low rainfall caused a decline in production. Now, with favorable environmental conditions, the yield is increasing again,” he added. Agriculture officials believe this year’s bumper harvest could significantly strengthen the district’s economy. If current trends continue and farmers receive fair market prices, betel nut may soon emerge as one of Bagerhat’s most profitable cash crops.  

BRAHMANBARIA, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) - Village courts in Brahmanbaria have disposed of more than 77 percent of the cases filed over the past 20 months, according to information presented at a workshop held on Tuesday. From February 2024 to October 2025, a total of 3,072 cases were filed in village courts across the district, along with an additional 325 cases referred from the High Court. Of these, 77.38 percent cases have already been resolved.  The workshop, aimed at formulating a comprehensive plan to raise public awareness about the district Village Court, was held at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room.  Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akhter Jahan inaugurated the event, which brought together representatives from local government bodies and private organizations. According to data shared during the event, the village courts handled an average of 150 cases per month during the 20-month period. Of the cases disposed of, 90.74 percent of the decisions have been implemented, and a total of Taka one crore 50 lakh 69 thousand 681 has been collected as compensation. The workshop also highlighted the participation of women in the village court process. A total of 832 women filed applications, while 15 percent of hearings were attended by women. Md. Merajul Islam, District Manager of the Bangladesh Village Court Activation Phase III Project, presented the keynote article.  He stated that the government is taking active measures to strengthen village courts, including providing training to Union Parishad chairmen and other local representatives. Participants at the workshop expressed optimism that widespread awareness initiatives would help make village courts more popular and accessible to the people in rural areas.