Betel nut - cultural heritage or health risk? Indian government's new initiative after WHO report

Betel nut -  cultural heritage or health risk? Indian government's new initiative after WHO report

 

Betel nut is an important crop in India's agricultural economy, which not only supports the livelihood of millions of farmers but is also an integral part of the country's cultural and religious traditions. For centuries, betel nut has been used in worship, hospitality and various rituals. But recently a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised controversy over this crop. The report marked betel nut as a carcinogenic substance, causing concern among farmers and industry people. To clear this confusion, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed scientists to study whether betel nut is actually carcinogenic. This move will not only promote scientific research but also protect betel nut producers.

 

The WHO report has linked betel nut to mouth cancer, especially when it is chewed with tobacco or other mixtures. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the WHO, has classified betel nut as a Group 1 carcinogen. This means that it is capable of causing cancer in humans. But in India, betel nut is often consumed in plain form or as pieces of betel nut, and not always with tobacco. The government has taken steps to clarify this distinction. In a high-level meeting held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi on August 21, 2025, Minister Chauhan assigned this responsibility to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He said that the report has created confusion especially about the betel nut produced in Karnataka, which accounts for a large part of the country's total production. ICAR has been instructed to submit the report within a certain time frame, so that the safety of betel nut can be proved on the basis of scientific evidence.

 

How important betel nut cultivation is for India's economy can be gauged from the production figures. The country produces about 14 lakh tonnes of betel nut annually, out of which Karnataka alone contributes 10 lakh tonnes. Globally, India is the largest producer of betel nut, handling about 63 per cent of the total production. This crop was cultivated on 9.49 lakh hectares of land in 2023-24, with an estimated market value of Rs 58,664 crore. This crop is not only economically strong but also provides employment to about 60 lakh people. It is mainly cultivated in the states of South India like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. Farmers call betel nut trees 'green gold', as it bears fruit for a long time and gives good income. But various challenges have emerged in recent years, such as Areolate mildew (yellow leaf disease) and other viral infections, which damage the trees.

 

These problems were also discussed in detail in the meeting. Minister Chauhan said that scientific teams are finding solutions to these diseases. Steps are being taken to ensure the availability of clean planting material, so that farmers can plant healthy saplings. In addition, compensation is being considered for farmers affected by viral infections. This is an important step, as infections like pandemics often ruin entire plantations. The government plans to help farmers resume farming by providing them financial assistance. Illegal imports are also a major problem, which affects the local market. Imported arecanut is often of low quality and drives down prices for local farmers. Issues such as moisture content, price difference between small and large nuts were also discussed in the meeting. The minister assured that all these will be resolved soon.

 

The government's policies are focused on strengthening the arecanut industry. 100 per cent import duty has been imposed to protect farmers, and the minimum import price (MIP) has been increased from Rs 251 to Rs 351 per kg. This will curb illegal imports and benefit local producers. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has tightened quality checks, while customs officials have been instructed to strictly verify the source of imported items. These steps will not only ensure the purity of the product but also protect the health of consumers.

 

Betel nut is also in a strong position on the export front. In 2023-24, India exported 10,637 tonnes of betel nut, worth Rs 400 crore. The main buyer countries are UAE, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia and Maldives. These countries use betel nut in various products like mouth fresheners, medicines and cosmetics. But the WHO report has also raised doubts in the international market, which may affect exports. Keeping this in mind, the government has provided adequate funding for disease management and research under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). In Karnataka, Rs 3,700 lakh has been allocated for 2024-25 and Rs 860.65 lakh for 2025-26. In addition, a special project of Rs 9.99 crore has been launched to investigate on betel nut and human health. This project will clarify the benefits and risks of betel nut through scientific studies.

The cultural significance of betel nut cannot be ignored. In India, it is known as 'tambul' and is a must in Hindu rituals, such as pujas, marriages and festivals. In South India, planting betel nut trees in the courtyards of houses is considered auspicious. But health experts say excessive consumption, especially with tobacco, increases the risk of oral cancer. Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in India, and is linked to chewing tobacco products. The WHO report is based on this, but the government argues that consumption of pure betel nut is different. The study will clarify whether betel nut alone is carcinogenic or not.

 

Minister Chouhan announced that he will soon visit Karnataka with a team of experts. The purpose of the visit is to take stock of the ground situation and prepare a roadmap for the region. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Prahlad Joshi, Ministers of State, MPs from betel nut producing areas and senior officials of the concerned departments. It shows that the government is taking the issue seriously.

 

Conclusion

The WHO report has challenged the betel nut industry, but the proactiveness of the Indian government will hopefully clear the confusion. Scientific research, farmer support and policy changes will make betel nut not only economically viable but also safe for health. It is important to strike a balance where cultural heritage is protected and health risks are minimized. If the study proves betel nut to be safe, it will be a boon for millions of farmers. Otherwise, alternative uses or health awareness campaigns will be needed. Overall, this initiative is a positive step towards India's agricultural policy.