Areca plant

[paratpara rao]

If can someone throw some light on information about 'Areca trees' :

- Which area in AP is suitable for planting these trees? I mean what type of soil and climatic conditions are suitable?
- How much water it requires?
- How long it takes to grow bigger from the time of planting?
- Where do I get seeds or sapplings?
- How many trees can we plant in a Acre?

Thanks in advance.
JP

 

[manojsinghchandel]

‘Arecanut', botanically known as Areca catechu, is a tropical plant found all over South East Asia. This tree belongs to the palm tree species and is from the Arecaceae family. The fruit (nut) of this tree is popularly known as the betel nut or supari in India. This is an important commercial crop of the region and also forms part of ritual offerings in Hindu religion.
Arecanut is a crop in areas where abundant rainfall is present as it cannot tolerate drought or low rainfall. It grows well in temperature climates within the range of 14 – 36 degree C.

The tree grows approximately 30 m in height and starts giving fruit from the 5th to 7th year till up to an average lifespan of 60 years. The economic life is on an average of about 40 years. Though the deep clay loam soil is more suitable for its growth, it also grows in alluvial, lateritic or red loamy soil.

India is the highest producer of arecanut with a production of around 3.3 lakh tonnes and a total acreage under cultivation of 2.64 lakh hectares, with Karnataka and Kerala accounting for nearly 72 per cent of the total production.

Over six million people are engaged in arecanut cultivation, processing and trade. More than 85 per cent of the area under cultivation is made up of small and marginal holdings.

Among the two varieties white nuts have a share of 60 per cent. India is also the largest consumer with around 3.2 lakh tonnes.