Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Bay Leaf Farming Fuels Economic Boom for Women Farmers in Bengal
In West Bengal, growing bay leaves has become a big business.
Farmers plant bay leaf trees, which take a few years to mature, and then harvest the leaves.
These leaves are used as a spice in many Indian dishes, so there's a high demand for them.
The industry is now worth a lot of money, about Rs 400 crore!
Women play a big role in this, as they sort and dry the leaves, which creates jobs and gives them financial independence.
It's a success story that's changing the lives of people in the region.
Bay leaf farming in North Dinajpur, West Bengal, is a growing Rs 400-crore industry.
Women play a crucial role in sorting and drying bay leaves.
The Bengal region is experiencing a new source of livelihood due to the growth of bay leaf farming.
The trees are low-maintenance and provide leaves for about 25 years.
The industry is largely informal, but is providing a sustainable income.
- Who
- Farmers and women in North Dinajpur, West Bengal
- What
- A thriving bay leaf farming industry generating significant revenue and providing livelihoods.
- When
- The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in May 2025.
- Where
- North Dinajpur, West Bengal
- Why
- Growing demand for bay leaves has transformed farming and provided a source of income, especially for women.
- Industry Revenue
- Rs 400 crore
- Key Crop
- Bay leaves (tej patta)
- Primary Region
- North Dinajpur, West Bengal
- Woman's Role
- Sorting and drying leaves
- Leaf Price
- Rs 5,000 per quintal
- Number of Farmers
- ~10,000 directly or indirectly involved