23 Jul Indian scenario of Arecanut
Arecanut (सुपारी) or betelnut (Areca catechu L.,) is an important cash crop in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, East and North Eastern regions of India. Areca plant is a tall-stemmed erect palm, reaching varied heights, depending upon the environmental conditions. Palms attaining a height of 30 meters are not uncommon which poses problems for harvesting of nuts. Arecanut is an important component of the religious, social and cultural celebrations and economic life of people in India. Arecanut is also used in ayurvedic and veterinary medicines. The habit of chewing arecanut is typical of the Indian subcontinent and its neighborhood. Although, production of arecanut is localized in a few states, the commercial product is widely distributed all over the country. There are mainly two types of processing of arecanut, viz., chali (ripe sun dried nuts) and red boiled type (tender or mature nuts). Chali is mainly produced in Dakshina Kannada and parts of Uttara Kannada districts. Chali is used in the preparation of scented supari and is greatly demanded in Northern India. Different types of red boiled nuts are prepared in other parts of the state to meet market demand. About 20 per cent of total areca production in the country is consumed as ripe fruit. Arecanut is processed into pan-masala, gutka,...