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 West Bengal
The main arecanut districts of West Bengal are Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Purba Medinipur. West Bengal is among India's largest rice producers and its biggest grower of jute and vegetables. It is also a major producer of potato, mustard, masoor, sesame, tuberose, marigold, Malda mangoes, litchi and Darjeeling tea.
Season in West Bengal
Harvest October–February in most areas. Exact arrival dates in West Bengal depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Arecanut Is Sold in West Bengal
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. Paddy is bought through the state's procurement centres and cooperative societies.
Other major markets in West Bengal
- Mullick Ghat, KolkataFlowersAboutExplore
- Koley Market, KolkataVegetablesAboutExplore
- Posta Bazar, KolkataPulses, grainsAboutExplore
- Hooghly (Tarakeswar, Singur)PotatoAboutExplore
- MaldaMangoAboutExplore
State Agencies in West Bengal
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.
- West Bengal State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- West Bengal Food and Supplies DepartmentPaddy procurementAboutExplore
- Jute Corporation of IndiaKolkata · raw jute buyingAboutExplore
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 West Bengal. Tap a name for details.
- CAMPCO LtdMangaluru · arecanut cooperativeAboutExplore
- TUMCOSChannagiriAboutExplore
- MAMCOSShivamoggaAboutExplore
Research and Advice in West Bengal
New varieties, crop advice and seed for arecanut growers in West Bengal come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Bidhan Chandra Krishi ViswavidyalayaMohanpur, NadiaAboutExplore
- Uttar Banga Krishi ViswavidyalayaCooch BeharAboutExplore
Arecanut in Other States
Karnataka · Kerala · Assam · Meghalaya · Goa
Related: Arecanut – all India · West Bengal · 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