For many farmers in Samdrup Jongkhar, this year’s areca nut season has delivered on its promise. Amid an improved production, they are fetching better prices than before. Despite a fluctuating market, areca nut remains one of the main income sources for the farmers in Bhutan’s southern belt.
Buckets are filling up faster; so are the growers’ wallets. The price per kilogram of areca nut increased to Nu 40, up by five ngultrum from last year. And for the farmers growing in hundreds of kilograms, this decent increase is substantial.
“The price has increased from last year, so we are satisfied. Areca nut is our main source of income. Nothing else we grow comes close, even if the market has its ups and downs,” said Rinchen Wangdi, an areca nut grower in the district.
“The increase is not much if we consider per kilogram. However, the quality and production have improved. We expected 40 sacks but got 50. So, overall, it evens out,” said Ganga Ram Adhikari, a local trader.
Farmer Santa Dorji Tamang said, “When the harvest is good, the earnings are better. We make around 2,500 ngultrum per day by helping in harvesting.”
Exporters say lower production in India has led to a rise in areca nut prices.
Phuentshothang, Pemathang, Tashithang, and Langchenphu gewogs are among the major areca nut producers in Samdrup Jongkhar. The district produces over one thousand metric tons of areca nut annually.
Meanwhile, in Gelephu, the market tells a different story. Growers have been experiencing a dip in the areca nut price. Besides the rising transport costs and unfavourable weather conditions, informal areca nut trade channels continue to significantly impact the areca nut business.
In 2024, the government of India notified Hatisar and Daranga Land Custom Stations as the formal routes for areca nut exports.
Today, areca nut is among Bhutan’s top 10 export commodities. Last year, its export was worth around Nu 251 M.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
