New Delhi, August 10, 2025: India imported areca nuts worth ₹1,064 crore from 10 countries in the current fiscal year 2025-26, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed the Lok Sabha. Responding to a query by Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada clarified that these imports have not adversely impacted domestic areca nut prices.
Citing data from the Shirsi market, Jitin Prasada noted that the price per quintal of areca nut rose from ₹36,316 between January and June 2024 to ₹37,856 in the same period this year, indicating no negative effect on local markets. He further highlighted that the value of areca nut imports has been steadily declining over the past three fiscal years. Major imports come from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Indonesia, with additional supplies from Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, Oman, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
On the crop health front, the Union Govt allocated ₹37 crore in FY 2024-25 to combat leaf spot disease affecting Karnataka’s areca nut production. However, despite inquiries from Rajya Sabha MP D. Veerendra Heggade, there are currently no plans to establish a dedicated Areca Nut Board for Karnataka, nor to replicate the structure of existing commodity boards for coffee, rubber, or tea. For now, policy remains unchanged.
Areca Nut Imports: No Adverse Impact on Prices
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has stated that overseas areca nut imports haven’t disrupted local pricing. On the contrary, Shirsi’s market prices have been on an upward trend, which really underlines the strength of the domestic market. Supporting this, recent government data shows a steady decline in the value of imported areca nuts over the past few years. So, it appears the current import regulations are doing their job effectively.
Leaf Spot Disease Management and No Areca Nut Board
Another major concern from the area is Leaf Spot Disease Management and No Areca Nut Board. To address leaf spot disease, a significant concern for areca nut farmers, the central government has sanctioned ₹37 crore for Karnataka in FY 2024-25. However, the proposal for a dedicated Areca Nut Board to support farmers and expand cultivation remains off the table, with the government citing no current plans for such an initiative.
Keywords: areca nut, India imports, FY 2025-26, leaf spot disease, Karnataka, domestic prices, Shirsi market, areca nut board, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia