Purba Medinipur, April 4 -- The long-standing demand for a dedicated research facility to support betel leaf cultivation has gained momentum among farmers and traders in Purba Medinipur ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections.

Farmers and traders in the district have urged both the Central and State governments to establish a dedicated Betel Leaf Research Institute to promote the industry and ensure the livelihood of thousands of families dependent on betel leaf cultivation.

Mahadev Das, President of the Assam Betel Leaf Traders' Association, while speaking to ANI, said, "...We have formally requested the government (central as well as state) to establish a dedicated Betel Leaf Research Institute to support the industry, but it is y...