Arecanut Cultivation (Betel Nut) Information

Arecanut Cultivation (Betel Nut/Supari) Guide:

Arecanut Cultivation
Arecanut Cultivation

Introduction of Arecanut Cultivation:-  The areca nut palm produces the common chewing nut which is popularly known as betel nut or supari. This nut is consumed in very large extent hence has great demand. In India, areca nut is very much linked with religious practices. India is the largest producer and consumer of areca nut in the world. The areca nut is not a true nut, but rather a fruit categorized as a drupe. It is commercially available in dried, cured and fresh forms. Commercial cultivation of areca nut is more successful in India. This nut palm belongs to the family of “Arecaceae” and genus of “Areca L.”.

Major Production States of Arecanut in India:- Major states growing Arecanut crop are Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya & West Bengal.

Local Names of Arecanut in India:- Supari (Hindi), Vakka, Poka chekka (Telugu), Supari (Marathi), Adake, Puga, Kaungu (Kannada), Supari(Bengali), Buah or Puah (Assamese), Atekka, Ghonta, Kamuka (Malayalam),  Kamugu, Pakku, Pugam (Tamil), Supari (Urdu).

Varieties of Arecanut: Subamangala, Mangala, Sumangala, Mohitnagar, Hirehalli dwarf, Samruthi (Andaman), VTLAH 1, 2, Thirthahalli dwarf and Srimangala are the main commercial varieties cultivated in India.

Soil and Climate Requirements for Arecanut Cultivation:-  Arecanut can be grown on wide range of soils. However, This crop thrives best in well drained soils with good organic matter. In order to avoid sun-scorch, adequate protection from exposure to South-Western sun should be needed. Quick growing shade providing trees should be planted on the southern and western sides well before of planting arecanut seedlings. This palm nut tree is sensitive to moisture deficit and should be grown where adequate irrigation is available. This crop requires well distributed annual rainfall of 750 mm to 4500 mm. This crop can be grown altitude up to 1000 meter above mean sea level (msl).The ideal temperature range of 10°C to 40°C is best for its growth  and yield.

Land Preparation in Arecanut Cultivation:-  Land should be ploughed  and harrowed couple of times to bring the soil to fine tilth stage and make the field weed free from previous crops.

Propagation in Arecanut Cultivation:- Propagation in arecanut farming is done through seeds.

Arecanut Seeds
Arecanut Seeds

Best season Arecanut Cultivation:-  June – December is found to be the good for it’s planting.

Seed Selection, Sowing, Planting in Arecanut Cultivation:- For raising seedlings, it is very important to select the seeds from pre-marked and pre-potent mother palms of outstanding performance. and should be sown at a distance 5 cm to 6 cm apart in sand beds under partial shade with their stalk end pointing upwards.  After the sprouts have produced 2 to 3 leaves, they are transplanted to polythene bags of 30 cm x 10 cm filled with forest soil and should be allowed to grow for 12 to 18 months under partial shade. The seedlings can also be transplanted in secondary nursery beds with a spacing of 30 cm on either side. Sufficient irrigation should be given to the seedlings.

Dwarf and compact seedlings with more number of leaves should be selected. Seedlings of 1 to 2 years of age should be planted in pits of about 90 x 90 x 90 cm at a spacing of 2.75 to 3.0 meter either way and covered with soil to the collar level of the plants and press the soil around. It is essential to provide shade during summer months. Growing Banana or other crops well in advance may also provide some shade.

Arecanut Seedlings
Arecanut Seedlings

Irrigation in Arecanut Cultivation:- Arecanut cannot withstand drought for a long time. Being a perennial crop, once affected by water stress, it may require two-three years to regain the normal vigour and yield.  The death of palms due to moisture stress is possible in long drought season. Irrigation should be given @ intervals of 4 and 10 days for better growth and yield. The quantity of water required is about 175 to 200 lit per palm/irrigation. However, in case of areas having water problem can adopt drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation to overcome the water problem. Drainage channels should be made based on soil type. In heavy soils drainage channels should be dug in each row to drain out the excess water. The channels should be at least 15 cm to 30 cm deeper than the depth at which the palm nut seedlings are planted.

Weed Control in Arecanut Cultivation:- Regular manual weeding tasks should be carried out to make the nut orchard weed free. Weeding is done twice or thrice a year by spade digging. Light forking or digging after cessation of monsoon should be carried out. Remove any dead or diseased palm leaves. Mulching can be done to prevent weed growth and soil erosion, terracing can also be done to prevent soil erosion in sloppy areas. This also helps in retaining the water from evaporation.

Arecanut Tree (Nut Bearing Stage)
Arecanut Tree (Nut Bearing Stage)

Manures and Fertilizers in Arecanut Cultivation:- 10 to 20 kg of well-rotten farm yard manure should be applied to a fruit bearing palm which is 5 years old or above. When it comes to N: P: K ratio, 100:40:140 grams /palm/year should be applied. For younger palms which are less than 5 years old, half of the above mentioned dose is recommended. Make sure to apply these during Jan-Feb. These fertilizers should be applied at the basin of 0.75 to 1.25 meter radius around the palm tree to a depth of 20 to 25 cm.

Intercropping in Arecanut Cultivation:- Black pepper, coffee, vanilla, cocoa, citrus, cinnamon and clove can be cultivated as intercrop in arecanut cultivation.

Pests and Diseases in Arecanut Cultivation:-

  • Pests: Mites, Spindle bug, Inflorescence caterpillars and Nematode are the common pests found in arecanut cultivation.
  • Diseases: Bud rot or Mahali disease, Stem breaking, Foot rot or Anabe, Yellow leaf disease, Leaf spot and Nut crack are the common diseases found in areca nut cultivation.

To control these pests and diseases, contact your local department of agriculture or nearest agriculture university or horticulture department.

Harvesting in Arecanut Cultivation:- In arecanut farming, the nut bearing starts after 5 years of planting. Generally, nuts are harvested when they are three quarters ripe. The number of harvestings will vary from 3 to 6 in 1 year depending upon the season and place of cultivation.

Ready to Harvest Arecanut (Hybrid)
Ready to Harvest Arecanut (Hybrid)

Yield in Arecanut Cultivation:-  In any crop cultivation, yield depends on the cultivar selected and soil/climate and farm management practices. In arecanut cultivation, an average yield of 300 to 400 nuts / palm / year or 1250 kg/ha can be obtained.

Harvested Arecanut
Harvested Arecanut

Post harvesting Tasks in Arecanut Cultivation:- Storing the nuts after harvesting is one of the major tasks. There are 14 insect and mites that can damage the nuts during storage. Hence storing in jute bags soaked in 0.1% Lindane solution is highly recommended. When nuts are stored in such bags, they remain free from insect infestation for up to 5 to 6 months. Phostoxin tablets @ 800 grams / 100 m3 are also effective in controlling stored areca nut pests.

For Betel Leaf Cultivation : Read here.

For Asia Farming Information : Read here.

For Sheep or Goat Farming : Read here.

30 COMMENTS

  1. I would like to know the uses and features of areca form tree fallen leaves. In what ways the areca fallen leaves used to protect our environment. Please give me some useful details.Thankyou.

    • You can use them as mulch material for any orchard or in any field which can protect trees from soil erosion. This mulching also preserves and stops water evaporation at plant base. Apart from these uses, weed growth at plant bases can be controlled. Finally, these leaves decompose and become organic matter which directly results increasing soil fertility.

    • hi sir,

      you can produce biodegradable plates from these leaves by using hydraulic machines .and the waste can be used in forms as fertilizer as it decomposes easily.

  2. Hi,
    I am planning to plant Areca,
    Where can get the nursery plants?
    Also, I would like to go for a short plant not the tall ones,
    Need complete details about the life time of the plant varieties and which is the best one to opt.

    Regards,
    Albert Johnson

  3. Hi, what is the best time to apply organic manure for arecanut palm in Dakshina Kannada district, in Karnataka, where is heavy rainfall in June to august & at the same June is the flowering stage of arecanut, pls suggest to get good yield for this condition. Thanks shaan

  4. Kindly intimate a good variety of arecanut fit for cultivation in low lying and fertail soil in Kerala. If seeds are available kindly inform the rate also.

  5. Dear Sir, i am from Bangladesh. I’m very much interested about betel nut palm. Specially about Arecanut (Hybrid). How many times need for betel nut after plantation. in a year how many times betel nut will be. i will be very glad if u know in details of Hybrid.

  6. I am interested in dwarf aerca nut farming. Suggest me how successful will it be ? and any online on it pl send me

    • Hi
      The dwarf variety has life span of 35 years or so and rest are 60/70 years so does the yield and buying arecanut not suggestable .

  7. I have 1000 arecanut plants of 2 years my friend is telling to put red soil about 300-350 tractor loads each load cost is 600/- rupees. Is it correct advise, pls advise. Thank you

  8. Hi, I wish to purchase dwarf variety Mangala arecanut saplings for plantation in Assam. Does anyone have any information regarding the sell if such variety. Thanks.

  9. Hello, Recently I was told that plantation spacing can be reduced to 1.5 m instead of 2.7m. Is the information true and it what impact it will have on tree growth and yielding. Kindly advise. Thank you.

  10. Your article says to plant in a hole of 90 cm length x 90 cm width x 90 cm depth. Should we have to place plant at a depth of 90 cm? Local people say we have to plant at a depth of only 30 cm.

  11. which is the best tall hybrid variety for hot and humid regions like andhra pradesh ??? in winter its cool we can see lot of fog and dew in my village

  12. Our arecanut tree falling down in this month 3-4 tree falling down because of wind. what is deficiency / how care of other tress. Pls suggets

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