BETELVINE -A TRADITIONAL CASH CROP OF MAHARASHTRA

Production of betelvine leaves depended on soil quality, variety of plants, disease management, water management, control of humidity in the betelvine garden and age of the vine etc. The economic life of the gardens was considered for eight years. In the first year of plantation, yield of leaves was less. Harvesting of betel leaves in the first year started after 3- 4 months of plantation. Plucking of betel leaves was done according to type of leaves. Fapada, kalli and hakkal leaves were harvested separately. The genetic name of the betelvine leaf was derived from Sanskrit word Pippalli. The betelvine leaves were absolutely indispensable for celebrating marriages, many religious and social functions. All holy days used betelvine leaves for creating and preserving reciprocity among friends and relatives. Betelvine leaves sweeten the mouth and remove bad smell of the mouth. It serve as the best medicine to remove acidity, cough, indigestion and septic etc. Betel leaves were useful for curing Asthma, Bronchitis etc. People were habituated to chew betelvine leaves to wipeout uneasiness and exhaustiveness. Mostly betelvine leaves were used by many in regular intervals to obtain enthusiasm for all functions to do emotionally. The incomes from the sale of betelvine leaves were sound and attractive to the cultivators throughout the year. Betelvine cultivators obtained financial support in the whole year to do many other farming functions. Farmers collected seasonal income from other crops, while betelvine cultivation produced income throughout the year to the pleasant survival. Majority of the members of the family were engaged in the plantation, training of vine, provision of manures, fertilizers, water and plucking of betelvine leaves.