Tirthahalli Areca Nut Variety | 07 May 2024
The Tirthahalli variety of Karnataka has long been recognised for its exceptional areca nut production, as confirmed by a recent analysis conducted by the Areca Research Centre at Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
- The Tirthahalli areca is highly sought-after for its suitability in producing high-grade nuts, with growers of this variety able to cultivate the coveted Nuli and Hasa grades.
- The areca nut palm is the source of the popular chewing nut known as betel nut or Supari. India is both the largest producer and consumer of areca nut, with major cultivation in states like Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and West Bengal.
- Arecanut kernels are boiled, and areca precipitates are added after removing the husk. The nuts are later dried and graded as Nuli, Hasa, Rashi, Bette, and Gorabalu based on their market value.
- Nuli and Hasa nuts fetch a higher price than Rashi, Bette, and Gorabalu.
- Earlier ‘Sirsi Supari’ grown in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka has received the Geographic Indication (GI) tag.
Read more: “Sirsi Supari” Gets GI Tag