Nuts are classified – Nuli, Hasa, Rashi, Bette AND Gorabal — taking into account their value on the market. Now AND Exactly nuts fetch a higher price than Rashi, Bette, Gorabalu. Tirthahalli variety breeders get Now AND Exactly nuts. | Photo credit: MANJUNATH HS
In an analysis conducted by the Areca Research Center at the Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, the arecan nut grown in the Tirthahalli region was found to be the best quality area among the varieties grown in Karnataka.
Recently, scientists at the center showed a group of 60 people areca varieties grown in different places. The varieties were simply numbered to avoid possible bias in evaluation.
The analysis process
A group including consumers, traders, researchers, scientists and breeders took part in the analysis. Before answering the questionnaire, they were allowed to touch and taste the nuts. They were asked about the look and feel, biting sensation, aroma and other details about each variety.
“The results we obtained from this group suggest that of the arecas grown in major parts of Tirthahalli, Hosanagar, Sagar and some parts of Shivamogga taluks, the Tirthahalli variety was the best. Tirthahalli is traditionally an areca-growing area. Most growers are compact farmers with plantations ranging from two to five acres. Climatic conditions also augment the value of the product. It will not be the same if it is taken out of the region and grown elsewhere,” said Dr. Nagaraj Adivappar, principal investigator of the center.
Additionally, the center sought the opinions of 80 farmers growing the Tirthahalli variety and collected their opinions on how they rate their product compared to other varieties. Farmers mentioned many reasons, emphasizing the quality of the product they grow. Firstly, the Tirthahalli variety is suitable for high-quality arecan nuts.
Assessment process
After removing the husk, the areca nut kernels are boiled and the areca precipitate added. Later the nuts are dried. After all processes, the nuts are graded – Nuli, Hasa, Rashi, Bette AND Gorabal — taking into account their value on the market. Now AND Exactly nuts fetch a higher price than Rashi, Bette, Gorabalu.
Tirthahalli variety breeders get Now AND Exactly nuts. From April 29 on the Shivamogga market Exactly the nuts were sold at an average price of ₹69,600 per quintal, compared to ₹50,159 per quintal for Rashi. Maximum price per Exactly rose to £80,800.
Dr Adivappar said the center also conducted chemical analysis of commonly available varieties. However, there wasn’t much of a difference. He added that the arecoline content in Thirthahalli arecan nuts is average.
