Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS) - The betel nut, also called the areca nut, from Teknaf, the southernmost upazila of the country, is renowned nationwide and the regional songs celebrating it have achieved significant popularity across the country.
 
For the last 10 years, betel nut from this area has also been exported to various foreign countries, however, discussions about its economic value frequently overlook the "aesthetic beauty of the tree".
 
Travels to Teknaf can observe the lush greenery of betel nut gardens flourishing along one side of Cox's Bazar Marine Drive and even on the slopes of the mountains. 

Locations such as Inani Beach, Himchhari, and Patwartek in Ukhia showcase these gardens as a highlight of beauty in the picturesque tourist destinations. 

The betel nut trees, towering above the beach and amidst the dense forest, reach for the sky, outstripping all others in height. These trees have become an added attraction for tourists, significantly enhancing the value of their 
leisure time.
 
On the ground, the hillsides of Himchhari are adorned with abundant greenery. Amidst this, rows of betel nut trees present a unique sight, as if they are stretching their heads towards the sky, overshadowing the surrounding foliage with their long bodies and slender trunks, crowned with leaves. 

During the month of Bhadra, the betel nuts are now visible, hanging from the trees. From a distance, it appears as though numerous green lines have simultaneously emerged from the earth, aspiring to reach the heavens. This unattainable beauty captivates both domestic and international tourists.
 
While strolling along the road, the tourist's vehicle unexpectedly halts. Cameras emerge in their hands. Some individuals pause to capture photographs while others gaze at the rows of trees, expressing their enthusiasm. 

The betel nut gardens have introduced a new aspect to the natural allure of the 80-kilometer Marine Drive, stretching from the Kaltali intersection to Teknaf, where the beauty of agriculture, nature, and tourism converge to form a distinctive landscape.

In the southern Manglapara region of Himchhari, the reporter conversed with Abu Hena Shakil, a tourist visiting with his family from Dhaka. "I anticipated witnessing the sea and mountains along Marine Drive, but I was unaware of the stunning betel nut garden alongside the road. I felt compelled to stop my car in front of the garden to take photographs," he told BSS.

Jashim Uddin, another tourist from Chattogram, remarked, "The betel nut trees stand tall in a row, their heads held high. From a distance, it appears as though a natural structure has emerged amidst the greenery. These trees, in conjunction with the sea and mountains, have enhanced the beauty of the scene."

It was observed that numerous betel nut trees have begun to bear fruit. Unripe betel nuts dangle in clusters at the tops of the trees. Although these fruit clusters may not be easily visible from afar, entering the garden reveals the fruit adorning the branches. 

Betel nuts serve as a significant cash crop for the local population. There is a notable demand for betel nuts in the Teknaf and Cox's Bazar regions, as well as in various parts of the country. 

Therefore, the betel nuts harvested from these gardens extend beyond the local market to different regions nationwide.

Manjur Alam, the proprietor of a betel nut plantation located in the South Manglapara region, stated, "Betel nut is a traditional crop in our locality. Cultivating a betel nut plantation is lucrative due to its high demand. Although the tree requires time to mature, once it begins to produce, one can generate income by selling betel nuts for many years."

He mentioned that betel nuts are sold in units called 'pon', with 80 betel nuts constituting one pon. The price for one pon of betel nuts at the plantation varies between Taka 220 and 350, depending on the size and type.

Mir Sabbir Hossain, a young visitor from Cumilla, said: "We were actually en route to Inani when I noticed the betel nut orchard alongside the road and decided to stop the car. The trees are remarkably tall and arranged so beautifully that I felt compelled to take a picture." 

"The most remarkable aspect is that the scenery changes continuously," he added.

Interestingly, not only the orchard owners but also many local residents reap economic benefits from the betel nut orchard. Local laborers and traders participate in the maintenance of the trees, as well as in the collection, sorting, transportation, and marketing of the betel nuts.

After being harvested from the orchard, the betel nuts are sold to local traders, who then distribute them to various markets. 

Consequently, economic activities are generated at multiple levels within the local economy surrounding the yield of a betel nut tree.

Sahabuddin, a member of the UP from the Pyanchar Dwip area of Ukhia, said, "Betel nut has long been a staple crop for the residents of this region. Numerous families derive their income from the orchards."

Additionally, tourism has now been integrated into this sector. Tourists show a keen interest in visiting the orchards and capturing photographs. as a result, there is a growing fascination with local agriculture and the area's natural beauty. 

He further stated, "Nevertheless, with the rise in tourist numbers, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of gardens and the environment. There is a need for awareness to ensure that tourists do not harm trees or fruits by trespassing into the gardens or littering." 

Local journalist Russell Chowdhury informed BSS that if certain betel nut gardens could be developed into tourist-friendly spaces in a strategic manner, it could open up new avenues for the local economy. 

He suggested that the inclusion of walking paths, seating arrangements, or opportunities to sell local fruits and agricultural products within the gardens could encourage tourists to linger longer. 

"Many tourists halt their vehicles to take pictures in front of the gardens. Some express a desire to learn about the cultivation of betel nuts. If proper arrangements are made, tourists could also gain insights into agricultural practices," he noted. 

"The most striking aspect of the beauty of Marine Drive is the harmonious coexistence of nature and human life. On one side lies the sea while the mountains stand on the other, in between is the road, flanked by the settlements and agricultural lands of the local populace. Betel nut gardens are an integral part of this landscape," he added.