Howrah, West Bengal

Betel leaf (paan) from Howrah paan baroj gardens

Betel leaf (paan) is a notable horticulture crop of Howrah district, grown in roofed, shaded garden enclosures called paan baroj; West Bengal is one of India's major betel-leaf growing states and Howrah is among its key producing districts alongside South 24-Parganas, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and parts of Nadia. Around two lakh farmers statewide work the crop, and Howrah's rural supply feeds the traditional paan trade. Buyers get fresh, hand-picked betel leaves, the leaf of Bengal's paan culture, from local markets and growers.

Typical price: ₹10-150 per bundle

Buying tip: Buy fresh, glossy, unblemished leaves from local markets or paan baroj farms; large, well-kept leaves from a maintained baroj command a better price.