Dual Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Amphan Supercyclone on the Smallholding Betel Leaf Cultivation and Trade in West Bengal

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown has severely affected farm sustainability and brought hardships to farmers, agricultural labourers and market intermediaries. Here we examine its impact on betel leaf cultivation and trade in West Bengal. Data for this study was perforce gathered via telephonic interviews and from secondary sources due to travel restrictions. With this perishable crop being entirely dependent on its supply chain linkages to cater to its various markets, the lockdown has stymied the entire process. Moreover, the occurrence of the Amphan super-cyclone in the region has physically damaged many farms. Therefore, even with markets partially reopening, meeting demands from impaired/destroyed plantations and poor storage facilities is difficult. Bereft of crop insurance, farmers have suffered substantial losses. While some have resorted to selling one-third of their crop locally, the price obtained seldom covers the overheads. Meanwhile traders have been hampered in marketing the leaves due to continuing transportation restrictions.