Chennai, Oct 11 (NationPress) Once a prosperous agricultural endeavor, betel leaf cultivation in Dharmapuri district is currently grappling with a significant crisis as farmers contend with falling prices, limited marketing options, and rising labor costs.

This predicament has led growers to appeal to the horticulture department for a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 12,000 per lot to preserve this ancient agricultural tradition.

Betel leaf is cultivated over approximately 250 acres in the district, with around 1,500 farmers involved in this trade.

The crop is predominantly found in regions such as Palayampaudur, Kombai, Jallikottai, Reddipatti, and Kodipatti.

Traditionally, the leaves are marketed in private lots called mootai, each consisting of 128 bundles containing around 120 leaves.

However, factors like erratic weather, pest infestations, and rising input and labor costs have rendered cultivation economically unfeasible.

Farmers report that they can harvest quality leaves only once every eight months, limiting their income to one or two sales annually.

Despite these challenges, market prices have stagnated between Rs 7,000 and Rs 9,000 per lot, significantly below production costs.

Skilled labor required for crop management adds to the financial strain, with weekly costs ranging from Rs 800 to 1,000 per worker.

Labor expenses surge during the monsoon season, diminishing any potential profits farmers might realize.

Compounding their difficulties, the district has faced consecutive climatic issues—ranging from a severe drought last year that increased irrigation costs to heavy rains caused by Cyclone Fengal that damaged vines and reduced yields.

Many farmers have reported consecutive years of losses, resulting in waning spirits within the agricultural community.

As the northeast monsoon approaches, farmers brace for another tough season, fearing up to 70 percent crop loss due to unpredictable weather.

Even a slight increase in prices is unlikely to cover their escalating expenses.

Officials from the horticulture department acknowledged that Dharmapuri has only a limited number of betel leaf cultivators and mentioned they would collaborate with the agriculture marketing department to seek solutions.

However, they indicated that establishing an MSP would necessitate a policy-level decision from the state government.

For the time being, without immediate interventions, one of Dharmapuri's traditional crops risks fading into decline.