About Arecanut
India is the world's largest producer and consumer of arecanut (supari), with Karnataka growing most of it and cooperatives handling much of the trade.
Where Arecanut Is Grown in Assam
The main arecanut districts of Assam are Nagaon, Kamrup, Goalpara, Barpeta. Assam is India's largest tea-growing state and grows rice in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, including the aromatic Joha rice. It is also an important producer of jute, ginger, arecanut, banana, rapeseed-mustard, masoor and vegetables.
Season in Assam
Harvest October–February in most areas. Exact arrival dates in Assam depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Arecanut Is Sold in Assam
Farm produce is sold through regulated APMC market yards under the state's agricultural produce marketing law, run by the state agricultural marketing board, with many yards linked to eNAM. Guwahati is the main trading hub for the Northeast.
Other major markets in Assam
- Guwahati wholesale marketsFruits, vegetables, grainsAboutExplore
- Pamohi and Fancy Bazar, GuwahatiWholesale tradeAboutExplore
State Agencies in Assam
Arecanut has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. State marketing bodies regulate the markets and support farmer producer organisations.
- Assam State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- Assam Food and Civil Supplies CorporationPaddy procurement supportAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Arecanut is chewed with betel leaf in paan, sold as sweetened supari and mouth fresheners, and used by pan masala makers. Cooperatives such as CAMPCO buy from growers and sell to traders in Gujarat, Maharashtra and the North, which are the main consuming regions. Arecanut leaf sheaths are pressed into eco-friendly plates, a small but growing export product.
Red supari is graded as rashi, bette, saraku, gorabalu and other local grades by size, colour and cut. Chali (white supari) is graded as new and old chali, with old (stored) chali fetching a premium. Moisture, mould and insect damage reduce prices sharply.
Prices depend on the Karnataka and Kerala crop, demand from pan masala makers, and on how well imports are controlled. Cheap arecanut from Southeast Asia entering through neighbouring countries depresses prices, so the government sets a minimum import price and growers' cooperatives press for strict checks. Yellow leaf disease in Malnad and the long gestation of new gardens limit supply.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export arecanut across India, including from Assam. Tap a name for details.
- CAMPCO LtdMangaluru · arecanut cooperativeAboutExplore
- TUMCOSChannagiriAboutExplore
- MAMCOSShivamoggaAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Assam
New varieties, crop advice and seed for arecanut growers in Assam come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
Arecanut in Other States
Karnataka · Kerala · Meghalaya · West Bengal · Goa
Related: Arecanut – all India · Assam · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer