Due to heavy rain and snow, betel vines are ripening and scorching, leading to a rise in black betel prices. Betel is an important commodity that is produced in large quantities in many rural areas. At the same time, betel cultivation is predominantly found in towns such as Periyakulam, Melamangalam, Jayamangalam, Silvarpatti, Vadukapatti, Chinnamanur, Markkayan Kotai, Kambam, and Seelaiyampatti.
In the betel farms, due to heavy rain and snow, the vines are ripening, scorching, and mostly falling off. This has resulted in a reduction in the harvest of black betel. The recent rainy season and the ongoing snowfall have caused an increased water content in the betel vines, affecting their growth and yield.
After two years, betel vines yield crops, and betel can be harvested up to 25 times a year, so the production situation is significantly impacted. The increased shortage of betel has led to a rise in its price.
The price of black betel has increased from Rs. 160 per kg to Rs. 190, while white betel remains steady at Rs. 280 per kg. Betel cultivator Ravi said, "In 75% of the betel farms, due to rain and snow, the vines have scorched and fallen off. In this situation, the price of black betel has increased by Rs. 30 per kg," he stated.
As a result, the rise in betel prices is significantly affecting its cultivation and production situation.
