Status of a arecanut nurseries in selected districts of Karnataka

Abstract

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) is an important commercial plantation crop of Karnataka and is predominantly propagated through seed nuts. As the crop is monoecious and highly heterozygous, the selection of superior mother palms and quality planting material is essential for successful plantation establishment. With the rapid expansion of arecanut cultivation in both traditional and non-traditional areas of Karnataka, the demand for quality seedlings has increased substantially, leading to a rise in the number of commercial nurseries. A survey was conducted during 2021–2024 to assess the status and economic feasibility of arecanut seedling production in 72 commercial nurseries located in Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka. Information on socio-economic characteristics of nursery owners and nursery management practices was collected through personal interviews. The results revealed that 78 per cent of nursery owners belonged to the young and middle-aged groups, all were educated, and 61 per cent operated on owned land. Recommended nursery practices such as mother palm selection, irrigation, weed management, and pest and disease management were only partially adopted. Economic analysis indicated that the total production cost, gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio for a 15-month seedling production cycle were Rs. 1,07,660, Rs. 2,00,000, Rs. 92,340, and 1.86, respectively, demonstrating the profitability of commercial arecanut nurseries. Leaf spot disease (8–10%) was prevalent in Shivamogga, whereas mite (8–12%), scale, and spindle bug infestations (3–4%) were observed in Davanagere and Chitradurga. Seedling survival in farmers' fields ranged from 80–85 per cent. The study highlights the need for nursery regulation, quality control mechanisms, and capacity-building programmes to improve seedling quality, nursery profitability, and employment opportunities in arecanut-growing regions.