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 Karnataka
The main arecanut districts of Karnataka are Shivamogga, Davangere (Channagiri), Chitradurga, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada. Karnataka is India's leading producer of ragi, coffee, arecanut and silk, and a top producer of maize, tur, tomato, onion, flowers, grapes, pomegranate and coconut. Bengaluru is the centre of India's flower trade, and Davangere, Kalaburagi, Kolar and Byadgi host major crop markets.
Season in Karnataka
Harvest October–February in most areas. Exact arrival dates in Karnataka depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Arecanut Is Sold in Karnataka
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. Karnataka was one of the first states to run a unified electronic market platform across its APMCs.
Key markets for Arecanut in Karnataka
Other major markets in Karnataka
- Yeshwanthpur APMC, BengaluruOnion, potato, grainsAboutExplore
- K.R. Market and IFAB, BengaluruFlowersAboutExplore
- DavangereMaizeAboutExplore
- KalaburagiTurAboutExplore
- KolarTomatoAboutExplore
- ByadgiChilliAboutExplore
State Agencies in Karnataka
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.
- Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies CorporationRagi and paddy procurementAboutExplore
- CAMPCO and arecanut cooperativesArecanut marketingAboutExplore
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 Karnataka. Tap a name for details.
- CAMPCO LtdMangaluru · arecanut cooperativeAboutExplore
- TUMCOSChannagiriAboutExplore
- MAMCOSShivamoggaAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Karnataka
New varieties, crop advice and seed for arecanut growers in Karnataka come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- University of Agricultural Sciences, BengaluruBengaluruAboutExplore
- University of Agricultural Sciences, DharwadDharwadAboutExplore
- University of Horticultural SciencesBagalkotAboutExplore
Arecanut in Other States
Kerala · Assam · Meghalaya · West Bengal · Goa
Related: Arecanut – all India · Karnataka · 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