Panaji: With erratic monsoon patterns, arecanut cultivation in Goa is increasingly adopting scientific management practices to improve productivity and resilience. Farmers are replacing traditional local varieties with high-yielding cultivars such as Mohit Nagar, Vitthala, Hari Haryal and Sirsai, sourced from the coastal parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, which are well suited to Goa’s climate.“These varieties have adapted well to Goa’s climatic conditions and are increasingly replacing older local selections,” said zonal agricultural officer, Sattari, Vishwanath Gawas.The scientific package of practices begins with digging one-foot-deep pits, filling them with compost and topsoil, and planting healthy arecanut saplings that are around 11 to 12 months old. Fertiliser application is then carried out in stages, depending on the palms’ age.Young palms receive smaller doses of fertilisers, while mature bearing palms are given around 1kg of fertiliser, supplemented with compost and potash every year. The nutrient requirement is gradually increased as the palms mature.The agriculture department has also modified fertiliser application techniques. “Earlier, farmers typically applied manure and fertilisers in circular rings around the base of each palm before earthing up the soil. Now, our recommendation is to dig small pits on either side of the palm and apply the required fertiliser doses there. This will help in improving nutrient absorption and reducing wastage,” Gawas said.Farmers are also advised to spray Bordeaux mixture or fungicide two to three times during the monsoon at intervals of about 25 days, to protect developing nuts from fungal infections and improve crop retention, he said.While Goa’s erratic monsoon has raised concerns for paddy cultivation this season, arecanut growers are finding an unexpected silver lining.“Till now, the lower rainfall has worked in favour of arecanut growers. If heavy rainfall returns later in the season, premature fruit drop could still become a concern,” he said.According to data shared by the agriculture department, arecanut cultivation in Goa during 2024-25 is estimated to cover 2,123 hectares, with 25% of the area cultivated as an intercrop along with coconut. The average yield of arecanut has been estimated at 1,885kg per hectare, while the total production is projected at 4,002 tonnes.
