District-level seminar on arecanut cultivation held in Erode

A district-level seminar on arecanut cultivation, post-harvest technology, and marketing was recently held at Gobichettipalayam. The event was jointly organised by MYRADA-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Erode, and the Arecanut Growers Association, Gobichettipalayam.

Presiding over the seminar, District Collector S. Kandasamy highlighted the significance of arecanut, describing it as one of the world’s most valuable commercial crops with cultural, medicinal, and economic importance. Globally, arecanut is cultivated over 12.22 lakh hectares, producing 25.66 lakh tonnes annually. India leads with 8.49 lakh hectares, yielding 16.66 lakh tonnes per year, with Karnataka (69%), Kerala, and Assam as the top producers. Though Tamil Nadu is not a traditional growing region, it is gaining importance due to its economic potential.

Mr. Kandasamy said Erode district, known for turmeric and sugarcane, offers ideal conditions for arecanut cultivation. Farmers grow it both as standalone and intercrop with coconut and other trees, creating domestic and export opportunities and supporting eco-friendly value-added products such as areca leaf plates. Arecanut plantations also contribute to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration.

He added that challenges such as the availability of quality seedlings, pest, disease management, and climate variability persist. MYRADA-KVK serves as a bridge between research and farmers, providing guidance on best practices, pest management, training, and value addition. On the occasion, the Collector released the book “Arecanut Cultivation Technologies.”

Chief guest Shaik N. Meera, director, ICAR-ATARI, Hyderabad, Amer Ali Khan, founder, The Slansathub, P. Alagesan, senior scientist and head, KVK, participated. The seminar included technology exhibitions and drew 442 farmers and experts from TNAU and other research institutes.