Betel leaf (tamalapaku) cultivation

Betel vine (Piper betle L.), tamalapaku in Telugu, is a perennial Piperaceae climber cultivated since antiquity in India for its heart-shaped chewing leaves. The crop serves ~15-20 million domestic and 2 billion foreign consumers, generating Rs 6,000-7,000 million annually with exports of Rs 30-40 million.

Key characteristics

• Botanical Name: Piper betle L., Piperaceae
• Coordination: AICRP on Betelvine with NRCMAP, Boriavi, Gujarat
• Economic Value: ~Rs 6000-7000 million national; Rs 30-40 mn export

Cultivation and adoption

ICAR runs an All India Coordinated Research Project on Betelvine with NRCMAP at Boriavi (Gujarat) covering agronomy, varieties, plant protection and post-harvest practices.

References

1. Betelvine - PMFME write-up NIFTEM. https://niftem.ac.in/newsite/pmfme/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/betelvinewriteup.pdf
2. Betel Leaves - DASD Kerala. https://dasd.kerala.gov.in/betel-leaves/