A high-level meeting on the development of areca nut (supari) was held today at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The meeting was attended by several ministers and senior officials from multiple ministries, where key issues related to areca nut cultivation were discussed in detail.
Minister Chouhan highlighted that a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report has created confusion regarding Karnataka’s areca nut. To address this, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been directed to conduct a scientific study and submit its report within a specified timeframe.
The Minister assured that steps are being taken to tackle diseases affecting areca nut plantations, particularly areolate mildew. Discussions also focused on providing disease-free planting material. Farmers who have suffered heavy losses due to viral diseases will be compensated appropriately.
Issues such as illegal areca nut imports, moisture problems, and price disparities between small and large varieties were also discussed. Minister Chouhan emphasized that all these challenges will be addressed in a time-bound manner to safeguard the interests of both farmers and the industry.
Cultural and Medicinal Importance of Areca Nut:
Highlighting the cultural significance of areca nut in India, Shri Chouhan noted its religious, social, and Ayurvedic importance, along with its role in veterinary medicine. He also announced plans to personally visit Karnataka with a team of scientists and experts to assess the situation and prepare a roadmap for the development of areca nut cultivation.
India: The World’s Largest Producer of Areca Nut:
India is the largest producer of areca nut, contributing nearly 63% of global output. In 2023–24, India produced about 1.4 million tonnes, with Karnataka alone accounting for 1 million tonnes. The estimated market value of areca nut production stands at ₹58,664 crore. Nearly 6 million people in the country are directly or indirectly dependent on areca nut farming.
Export and Government Initiatives:
In 2023–24, India exported 10,637 tonnes of areca nut worth around ₹400 crore. Major export destinations include the UAE, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and the Maldives.
To protect farmers’ interests, the government has taken several initiatives:
Imposed 100% import duty on areca nut.
Raised the Minimum Import Price (MIP) from ₹251 to ₹351 per kilogram.
Directed FSSAI to strictly enforce quality standards.
Formed a National Scientific Committee to address Yellow Leaf Disease (YLD) and Leaf Spot Disease (LSD).
Allocated ₹370 crore (2024–25) and ₹86.06 crore (2025–26) to Karnataka for disease management.
Approved a ₹6.316 crore project for LSD management (2024–27).
Sanctioned ₹9.99 crore for evidence-based research on areca nut and human health.
