Introduction

• Common Name: Arecanut, Betel Nut, Supari
• Botanical Name: Areca catechu
• Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)
• Chromosome Number: 2n = 32
• Origin: Malaysia, Philippines, and South Asia
• Economic Importance:
  • Chewed with betel leaves (paan) in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc.
  • Used in medicines, dyes, and tannins.
  • A key cash crop supporting lakhs of farmers in India.

Distribution in India

• India is the largest producer and consumer of arecanut.
• Major producing states:
  • Karnataka (40% of total production)
  • Kerala
  • Assam
  • West Bengal
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Maharashtra
  • Odisha
  • Tripura
• Major Arecanut-growing districts:
  • Karnataka: Shimoga, Uttara Kannada, Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada.
  • Kerala: Kasaragod, Malappuram.
  • Assam: Darrang, Cachar.

Climatic & Soil Requirements

Climatic Requirements

• Grows well in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Temperature: 14–36°C (Ideal: 25–32°C).
• Rainfall: 1250–4500 mm annually (requires evenly distributed rainfall).
• Altitude: Grows well at 600–1000 m above sea level.
• Prefers high humidity and moderate shade during early growth.

Soil Requirements

• Best soil: Well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter.
• pH Range: 5.5–6.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral).
• Grows in lateritic, alluvial, and red loamy soils.
• Waterlogging should be avoided.

Important Varieties in India

Propagation & Planting

Propagation

• Mainly propagated through seeds.
• Selection of Seeds:
  • Choose disease-free, fully mature nuts (10–12 months old).
  • Soak in water for 24 hours before sowing.

Nursery Preparation

• Raised bed: 1.5 m × 1 m × 25 cm.
• Sow seeds at 2–3 cm depth and maintain moisture.
• Seedlings emerge in 45–60 days and are ready for transplanting in 12–18 months.

Planting Method

• Spacing: 2.7 m × 2.7 m (high-density planting: 2.0 m × 2.0 m).
• Pit size: 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm.
• Planting time: June–September (monsoon planting preferred).
• Apply 10 kg FYM, 100 g rock phosphate in each pit before planting.

Irrigation & Nutrient Management

Irrigation

• Summer: Every 4–5 days.
• Winter: Every 10–12 days.
• Methods:
  • Drip irrigation is preferred to save water.
  • Basin irrigation is common in traditional farming.

Nutrient Management

Flowering, Pollination & Fruit Development

• Arecanut is cross-pollinated, mainly by wind and insects.
• Flowering starts after 4–6 years of planting.
• Pollination rate is enhanced by intercropping different varieties.

Pest & Disease Management

Major Pests

Major Diseases

Harvesting & Yield

Harvesting

• First Harvest: After 4–6 years.
• Maturity Stage: 8–9 months after flowering.
• Harvesting Time:
  • Tender Nuts: 5–6 months (For pan masala, soft supari).
  • Ripe Nuts: 8–9 months (For dry nuts).
• Harvesting Method: Hand-picking or using a climbing device.

Yield per Tree & Hectare

• Number of Nuts per Tree: 250–350 nuts/year.
• Yield per Hectare:
  • Traditional Farming: 1.5–2 tons/ha.
  • High-Density Farming: 3–4 tons/ha.