Shillong: Betel nut growers, or areca nut plantations, in Meghalaya have significantly contributed to the state’s economy, amounting to Rs 382.22 crore during the 2022-23 period.
However, despite this substantial contribution, these farmers are grappling with major challenges in terms of marketing and value addition, as highlighted by UDP MLA Lahkmen Rymbui during the question hour of the budget session.
Rymbui underscored the pressing need for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) to address the concerns of farmers, pointing out that while the total production of betel nut in Meghalaya has seen a remarkable increase over the last four years, the price has been declining annually.
He also questioned whether the government is exploring opportunities to promote the areca nut product beyond the state borders.
In response, Minister in charge of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh, assured that the government is actively assisting these farmers.
She informed the House about the establishment of 46 processing units across 21 blocks in 10 districts, equipped with necessary machinery such as de-husking machines and solar tunnel dryers, at a total cost of Rs 14.06 crore.
Additionally, each of the 46 cooperatives has been provided with a Rs 10 lakh interest-free working capital loan for aggregation and marketing purposes.
Lyngdoh acknowledged the challenges faced by betel nut farmers, including incidents of bud rot disease, and outlined measures such as providing planting material of short gestation crops and undertaking spraying of bordeaux mixture to prevent the spread of the disease.
She emphasised the importance of farmer cooperatives in facilitating collective action and providing common facilities, noting that there are now 46 such cooperatives receiving assistance from the government.
However, she also acknowledged concerns regarding the health implications of betel nut consumption, stating that they are exploring compromises to support the farmers.
In a supplementary answer, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting betel nut farmers, highlighting the economic significance of processed areca nut and pledging to continue expanding value addition efforts. He also assured the member’s inquiry regarding MSP, promising to examine the matter.
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Addressing the concern raised by the UDP MLA regarding setting up processing units in Amlarem, Chief Minister Sangma confirmed that two out of the 46 units are located in Amlarem, with a 1 crore investment already made in the area.
Regarding the potential for areca nut to be listed as an export item, MLA Renikton Tongkhar queried the Agriculture Minister, who responded that the department is focusing on processing dry supari and exploring avenues for export.
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