Lockdown cripples Paan sellers' business

The betel leaf cultivators are facing huge losses amid lockdown due to coronavirus. The Banarasi Paan is famous all over the world for its rich taste.

Varanasi:The lockdown had a devastating effect on Uttar Pradesh betel leaf trade. The betel leaf cultivators are facing huge financial crisis amid lockdown.

Banarasi Paan which is famous all over the world for its delectable taste is now facing customer crisis.

Paan leaf is not popular only for its taste but is also an essential part of the life and culture of people of Banaras. The betel leaf is also used in performing religious rituals. The people of Varanasi have been serving paan as a greeting gesture since ancient times.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Betel leaf cultivator Mannu Chourasia said: “I invested around Rs 10,000 in taking care of the paan leaves, but all in vain. There are no buyers for betel leaves. The crop is rotting in the farm.”

“Earlier, many farmers used to grow betel leaves. But now, neither the weather is favourable nor the business is profitable,” he added.

It takes lot of attention to grow betel leaves as farmers need to protect it from rain, sunlight and strong wind.

A farmer needs to spend around eight to ten hours a day to take care of these leaves.

“Occasionally one or two traders come to buy the leaves. The betel leaves are sold in ‘Dholi’(basket). Each Dholi of 200 small betel leaves are sold at Rs 30 and of big leaves at Rs 80. If same situation continues, I will stop growing betel leaves,” Chourasia said.