Arecanut is used to treat schizophrenia and glaucoma, as a mild stimulant, and for digestion. Some use it as a recreational drug due to its effect on the central nervous system.
Karnataka leads in areca nut production, contributing 79% of India's total. The coastal areas like Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, and Udupi offer ideal conditions.
Kerala is the second-biggest producer. About 7% of all areca nuts grown in India come from here, and they are mainly grown in the southern regions of the state.
Assam produces about 3.64% of all Arecanuts grown in India. The best weather for Arecanut trees is lots of rain and temperatures between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Meghalaya ranks fifth in India for areca nut production, contributing 3.3% to the country's total. They grow mainly in East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and East Garo Hills regions.
West Bengal produces Arecanut, contributing 1.67% to the total crop. The Mohitnagar type, suited to West Bengal's climate, is a high-yield variety.