Abstract
Betel cultivation is very popular in West Bengal. The spread of COVID-19 affected betel cultivation but super cyclone ‘amphan’ devastated the majority of betel orchards of Bengal. The betel cultivation also fetches significant foreign exchange through export. The present investigation was conducted on 51 representative betel farmers of Fingha Dhaowri village under Raskhali panchayat of Bishnupur Block I of South 24 Parganas. The farmers were interviewed in mediated approach using semi-structured open-ended questionnaire, advocating participatory rural appraisal (PRA) mode. The study revealed some important enjoinder for furtherance of cultivation. In Bishnupur block of South 24 Parganas, 359 out of 360 barejas were reconstructed. The construction of a baroj measuring 10 decimal costs between Rs. 0.8 to 1.5 lakh including first year maintenance. The farmers prefer traditional baroj over shade-net structure. The farmers got assistance from Krishak Bandhu Krishi Sahayak scheme of state and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in addition to state government disaster relief fund. In new construction, farmers followed good agricultural practises along with COVID advisory with female farmers participation upto 60%. Harvesting is resumed and the farmers of focal group are selling 100 leaves pack @ Rs. 50/- with a 68% loss. The study revealed lack of knowledge of the farmers about post-harvest management but techniques could be adopted by them if the profitability aspects are discussed properly. The low input organic farming is advantageous to start export though the selected farmers sell leaves in domestic market only. The post-amphan betel cultivation could be directed to a positive path and rejuvenation of the baroj may be possible if the farmers’ adopt organic farming, apply low cost scientific management practices and industrial skill development in a community based approach. The holistic implementation of this smart package in betel farming may uplift the rural economy of Bengal.
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