Which premium arecanut (supari) variety and spacing give the best returns in coastal Karnataka?

For coastal Karnataka, Mangala, Sumangala, Mohitnagar and similar released varieties are widely grown, with the choice depending on whether you want earlier bearing or bold quality nuts that processors prefer. Premium grade depends as much on processing and curing as on variety. Spacing is commonly around 2.7 metres each way, roughly giving a few hundred palms per acre, often planted with shade and irrigation. Arecanut is a long gestation crop and needs assured water. Use good seedlings from a recognised nursery and intercrop with cocoa, pepper or banana in the early years to earn while the palms mature. Confirm the currently recommended variety and exact spacing for your soil and water with the arecanut research station at Vittal or your KVK before planting.