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Context

• The Tirthahalli region in Karnataka has been recognized for producing the highest quality arecanut among the varieties grown in the state.
• An analysis conducted by the Areca Research Centre at Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences in Shivamogga revealed the superiority of the Tirthahalli variety.

Analysis Overview

• Recently, scientists from the centre presented various arecanut varieties to a diverse group of 60 individuals, including consumers, traders, research scholars, scientists, and growers. The nuts were anonymized to prevent bias in evaluation.

Analysis Process

• Participants were permitted to physically examine and taste the nuts before providing feedback via a questionnaire.
• Criteria for evaluation included the visual appearance, texture, biting experience, aroma, and other relevant attributes of each variety.

Results

• The consensus among the group indicated that the Tirthahalli variety outperformed others, including those from Hosanagar, Sagar, and select areas of Shivamogga taluks.
• Areca Research Centre attributed the superiority of the Tirthahalli variety to the region's traditional cultivation practices, predominantly by small-scale growers with two to five acres of plantation.

Quality Assessment and Grading of Tirthahalli Arecanut Variety

Farmer Opinions and Product Quality

• The Areca Research Centre surveyed 80 farmers cultivating the Tirthahalli variety to gauge their perceptions of product quality.
• Farmers cited various reasons for the superiority of the Tirthahalli variety, emphasizing its suitability for high-grade arecanuts.

Grading Process

• Following husk removal, arecanut kernels undergo boiling, with the addition of areca precipitates, before drying.
• Subsequently, nuts are graded into categories such as Nuli, Hasa, Rashi, Bette, and Gorabalu based on their market value.
• Nuli and Hasa nuts command higher prices compared to Rashi, Bette, and Gorabalu varieties.

Market Value

• Tirthahalli variety growers typically produce Nuli and Hasa nuts, which fetch premium prices in the market.
• Hasa nuts were sold at an average price of ₹69,600 per quintal, significantly higher than ₹50,159 per quintal for Rashi.
• The maximum price for Hasa nuts reached ₹80,800, reflecting the market demand for superior-quality arecanuts.

Chemical Analysis

• The centre conducted chemical analysis of commonly available arecanut varieties, including the Tirthahalli variety.
• The arecoline content in Tirthahalli arecanuts is moderate, suggesting consistent quality across varieties.

Conclusion

• The Tirthahalli variety of arecanut stands out for its superior quality, as affirmed by both farmer opinions and market trends.
• The grading process underscores the premium value of Nuli and Hasa nuts, reflecting their desirability in the marketplace.
• Chemical analysis confirms the overall consistency of quality, further enhancing the reputation of the Tirthahalli variety as a preferred choice among consumers and traders alike.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Varieties like Nuli, Hasa, Rashi, Bette, and Gorabalu are associated with which of the following agricultural products? A) Sugarcane B) Cotton C) Arecanut D) Betel Leaf

SOURCE: THE HINDU