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Arecanut in Meghalaya

Areca in the hills. This guide covers where arecanut grows in Meghalaya, when it reaches the market, where and how it is sold, and who buys it.

AgricultureIndustry.in › Cash and Plantation Crops › Arecanut in Meghalaya
Main districtsEast Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, Ri Bhoi
SeasonHarvest October–February in most areas.
Government buyingNo MSP; private trade
ResearchICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam
Export routeThrough Guwahati; land routes to Bangladesh
StateMeghalaya farm trade guide

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 Meghalaya

The main arecanut districts of Meghalaya are East Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, Ri Bhoi. Meghalaya is known for Lakadong turmeric, Khasi mandarin, ginger, pineapple, potato and arecanut. Much of its farming is organic by default, and its produce is traded through Shillong and on to Guwahati.

Season in Meghalaya

Harvest October–February in most areas. Exact arrival dates in Meghalaya depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.

How Arecanut Is Sold in Meghalaya

Produce is sold through local markets, cooperatives and traders, with the state promoting FPO-based marketing of ginger, turmeric and fruits.

Other major markets in Meghalaya

State Agencies in Meghalaya

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.

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 Meghalaya. Tap a name for details.

Research and Advice in Meghalaya

New varieties, crop advice and seed for arecanut growers in Meghalaya come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.

Check today's arecanut prices in Meghalaya

Arecanut in Other States

Karnataka · Kerala · Assam · West Bengal · Goa

Related: Arecanut – all India · Meghalaya · 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