Spices and Condiments (1+1)

Weeding and Harvesting

Weeding:
The plots of betelvine should be kept free from weeds. Two to three manual weeding is done.

Harvesting:
Mature leaves are plucked along with a portion of petiole. They are plucked by hand without any aid. However, in certain areas iron nail is used to facilitate plucking. In Karnataka and Tamilnadu, leaves are plucked from side shoots. In south India, comparatively tender leaves are preferred in the market. After plucking, they are washed thoroughly and made into bundles according to the prevailing custom of the area. On an average, about 60-80 lakh leaves are harvested annually from one hectare garden.