Arecanut Market in West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya

Arecanut is an important plantation crop of India. Arecanut plays significant role in the livelihood of the people. It provides income and livelihood security to many people in Meghalaya. In West Garo Hills district most of the villages do arecanut cultivation either for own consumption or for generating income. From selling seedlings to harvested nut, raw as well as fermented nut (Moja) they earn their living. The arecanut agents play an important role in trading and marketing of arecanut in West Garo hills district, Meghalaya. The study found that areca nut farmers doesn't have own transport system, no organised market nearby, non availability of systematic information on cultivation, mechanical harvesting tools, frequent fluctuation of price etc. makes the farmers more helpless and their market are limited. Adding value to arecanut and by products can expand the market. Analysis each part of the areca nut plant, one can utilise the by-products of areca nut for making crafts items. Moreover the demand of eco-friendly products is gaining important in global market. The banning of pan-masala, ghutka, areca containing products may make the value added crafts products from areca nut more feasible and may be an option.