Experts push scientific methods for Areca Nut growers
Dharmanagar Nov 16: A one-day training programme aimed at promoting sustainable areca nut farming has been held recently in North Tripura’s Kadamtala Block, bringing together scientists, agricultural officials and nearly a hundred farmers to tackle the rising challenges faced by the sector.
The session, organised on November 13 at Bargul Gram Panchayat, comes at a time when areca nut growers across North Tripura are struggling with a series of production threats — from widespread bud rot and crown rot diseases to infestations by destructive pests such as the red palm weevil and white grub. Experts say many of these problems stem from the limited adoption of scientific farming methods.
The programme was jointly conducted by the ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod, Kerala, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Panisagar. A team of specialists, led by senior scientists Dr H.P. Maheswarappa (Agronomy), Dr S. Palraj (Microbiology), Dr Pratibha P.S. (Entomology) and horticulture expert Dr Sajal Debbarma, delivered a series of technical sessions throughout the day.
The event was formally inaugurated by Mihir Ranjan Nath, Chairman of the Kadamtala Panchayat Samiti, in the presence of senior agriculture department official Niranjan Das Gupta, Bargul Gram Panchayat President Vidya Bhushan Das, Vice-President Monika Bhattacharjee and social worker Bibhasu Nath. Lighting the ceremonial lamp, the dignitaries underscored both the state government’s continued support to the farm sector and the need for stronger collaboration between research bodies and local agricultural institutions.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr Das Gupta stressed the growing need for sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in areca nut farming. He said such approaches would play a crucial role in improving productivity and enhancing the income of small and marginal farmers across the region.
Around 100 farmers participated in the workshop, which focused on three core areas: good agricultural practices for healthier plantations, diversified cropping systems involving areca nut, and integrated management of pests and diseases.
Scientists recommended a series of measures for disease control, including the preventive application of 1% Bordeaux mixture to combat bud and crown rot. They also highlighted the benefits of field sanitation and the use of *Trichoderma*, a bio-control agent effective in managing basal stem rot disease. Farmers were encouraged to set up new plantations with high-yielding varieties such as Mohitnagar, Kahikuchi Longa and Nalbari — cultivars specifically recommended by ICAR-CPCRI for the agro-climatic conditions of the North-East.
The training team further advised growers to consider profitable intercrops like cocoa, black pepper and common seasonal vegetables, which experts say can help improve land use efficiency and boost farm incomes.
A major emphasis was also placed on soil health. Scientists urged farmers to rely on soil testing and soil health cards issued by the state agriculture department to determine accurate nutrient application.
They stressed the importance of applying key micronutrients such as zinc and boron, as well as vital macronutrients like nitrogen and potash, based on scientific recommendations to ensure better plant health and higher yields.
With areca nut cultivation emerging as a key livelihood source for many households in North Tripura, officials hope such training programmes will help farmers adopt more resilient and sustainable methods — essential, they say, for the long-term stability of the region’s farm economy.
