Local betel nut rotting as imports rise and smuggling persists

Despite increasing domestic production, Nepal’s betel nut market is overwhelmed by cheap imports and illegal re-exports to India, leaving local farmers in crisis. Authorities fail to contain a deeply rooted smuggling network.

The once-famous market for betel nuts, known as the “Supari Line”, in the border town of Kakarbhitta was renamed “Suryodaya Marg” years ago.