Betel Nut (Areca Catechu)

Local Indian Name: Supari (सुपारी)
Scientific Name: Areca catechu
Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)
Category: Perennial Tree
Subcategory: Palm Tree
Native Region: Betel nut is native to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of the Pacific Islands. It is widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Introduction
The Betel Nut (Areca catechu), commonly known as Supari in India, is a tropical palm tree known for its seed (areca nut), which is widely chewed with betel leaves across South and Southeast Asia. The tree has both economic and cultural significance, especially in India, where it is used in religious ceremonies, Ayurvedic medicine, and as a stimulant when consumed with betel leaves and lime.

Importance & Benefits
Economic Importance:
• Major cash crop in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh
• Used in pan masala, gutka, and traditional betel quid (paan)
• High export demand in China, Thailand, and Gulf countries
Health Benefits:
• Used in Ayurveda for digestion and to treat intestinal worms
• Contains alkaloids that act as a mild stimulant
• Astringent properties beneficial for oral hygiene
Other Uses:
• Timber used for making furniture, baskets, and handicrafts
• Leaves used for roofing and packaging materials

Description and Cultivation
Betel Nut is a medium-sized palm that grows up to 10–30 meters tall with a slender, straight trunk. The leaves are feathery and can reach up to 2 meters in length. It starts flowering after 5-7 years and produces fruits (areca nuts) that are oval and orange-red when ripe.
Cultivation Regions in India:
Majorly grown in Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, and Maharashtra.
Climate Requirements:
• Tropical and subtropical climate
• Temperature range: 14°C to 36°C
• Rainfall: 2000–4000 mm annually
• Prefers high humidity (>80%)

Varieties and Cultivars
Some common varieties grown in India:
1. Mangala – High yielding, commonly grown in Karnataka
2. Sumangala – Early bearing variety
3. Sreemangala – Drought resistant variety
4. Mohitnagar – Suitable for West Bengal and Assam
5. Kahikuchi – Preferred variety in Assam and Northeast India

Location and Light
• Requires partial to full sunlight
• Should be planted in wind-protected areas

Soil Preparation
• Well-drained, deep loamy soil with high organic matter
• pH range: 5.5 – 6.5 (slightly acidic)
• Add organic compost and farmyard manure before planting

Planting
• Propagation through seeds or seedlings
• Spacing: 2.7m × 2.7m or 550–600 plants per hectare
• Best time for planting: June–August (monsoon season)

Watering
• Requires regular watering (especially during dry periods)
• Drip irrigation is ideal for better water efficiency
• Avoid waterlogging as it affects root health

Pruning
• Remove dried and diseased leaves regularly
• Thinning of dense canopies helps improve airflow

Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests:
1. Areca nut Caterpillar – Controlled using neem oil or biological pesticides
2. Red Palm Weevil – Managed with pheromone traps
3. Mites and Scale Insects – Treated with soap sprays or natural predators
Common Diseases:
1. Bud Rot – Treated with Bordeaux mixture (1%)
2. Koleroga (Mahali Disease) – Caused by fungi, controlled by copper fungicides
3. Yellow Leaf Disease – Managed through balanced fertilizer application

Environmental Conditions
• Prefers warm and humid climates
• Sensitive to frost and prolonged dry spells
• Grows well in regions with consistent rainfall

Propagation
• Mostly propagated through seeds
• Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting
• Germination takes 40-60 days

Uses
Traditional Uses:
• Chewed as a stimulant
• Used in religious and cultural rituals
• Component of Ayurvedic medicines
Industrial Uses:
• Processed into betel nut powder, supari, and flavored products
• Used in pharmaceutical and dye industries

Monetary Benefits
• Betel nut farming is a profitable agribusiness
• A fully grown 1-acre plantation can yield 5000–7000 kg per year
• Market price ranges from ₹200–₹500 per kg depending on quality
• Export demand is high, particularly in China, UAE, and Thailand