The price of betel nut Honiara had recorded a sharp increase at the start of January 2026, affecting both vendors and consumers as demand remains high.
A local vendor, which to be called Florence, said the rising cost of supply has forced sellers to increase prices in order to make a profit.
She explained that she now pays SBD 700 for a 9kg bag filled with betel nut and SBD 1,200 for a 20kg bag.
“We buy a 9kg rice bag of betel nut for SBD 700, so we have to sell each nut at SBD 5 to earn some profit,” she said.
Meanwhile, betel nut suppliers are also facing challenges due to shortages caused by over-harvesting during the Christmas and New Year period.
A supplier from West Guadalcanal said theft has become a serious problem, further reducing supply.
“We experienced a lot of stealing in our plantation during the Christmas and New Year season,” the supplier expressed.
Betel nut remains one of the main sources of daily income for many Solomon Islanders, helping families pay for school fees and meet household expenses.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star online
Photo caption: The price of betel nut is now sold $5 per nut in some betel nut stalls.
