Highest Yielding Arecanut Varieties

Shatamangala is the high yielding Arecanut variety released during 2016. The yield performance of the variety is higher than the released varieties viz., Mangala, Sumangala, Sreemangala and traditional local types, suitable for both tender nut and ripe nut processing.

The average yield is 3.26 kg dry tender processed nuts/palm/year or 3.96 kg dry kernel/palm/year. The variety has been recommended for commercial cultivation in Karnataka and Gujarat.

Cultural practices such as cultivation, mulching, and intercropping play a vital role in the arecanut plantation method. Depending on the region, these operations help maintain soil fertility, moisture, and overall plant health. Adequate mulching, regular weeding, and proper irrigation are essential for optimal growth.

This variety was developed from VTL-146, the indigenous accession collected from Gujarat. However, it produces 4kg to 7 kg arecanuts per tree per year as per different climatic condition and management.

What are the favourable agro climatic conditions for growing Shatamangala Arecanut ?

1) Climate– It is mostly confined to 28º north and south of the equator. It grows well within the temperature range of 14ºC and 36ºC . It is adversely affected by temperatures below 10ºC and above 40ºC.

2) Soil– The largest area under the crop is found in gravelly laterite soils of red clay type. It can also be grown on fertile clay loam soils.

Sticky clay, sandy, alluvial, brackish and calcareous soils are not suitable for arecanut cultivation.

3) Ideal rainfall – 750 mm to 4500 mm/ Irrigation

4) Season–June – December is found to be the optimum.