In Cambodia, areca palms have a traditional significance, being cultivated by local families for areca nuts (also called “betel nuts”) which are used in betel nut chewing, a practice known for its stimulating effects.

Nevertheless, a recent shift has occurred, with some farmers now growing the nuts for export, notably to China, which reflects evolving agricultural practices and market demands.

“My areca nuts were exported to China for the production of areca nut candy, although the quantities were relatively modest,” says Cheang Nara, who owns an areca plantation in Mondulkiri province.

He mentions having cultivated 6,000 areca nut plants over 7ha in O’Raing district’s Dak Dam commune. These plants require ample water and humidity for optimal growth, taking more than four years to mature. As of now, he has been cultivating these plants for seven years.

Nara discloses that he has established a customer base in China, with his areca nuts being exported there. He notes that each plant yields approximately 10kg of nuts.

“I have buyers in China who purchase green areca nuts for crafting candy suitable for chewing, although it is not preferred by individuals of other nationalities,” he says.

He shares that growing areca nut crops is relatively straightforward and seldom requires the use of fertilisers. In mountainous regions where these crops thrive due to abundant rainfall and fertile soil, minimal care is necessary. Conversely, in arid, stony areas with lower rainfall, providing adequate water remains crucial for their well-being.

Nara recalls that before the Covid-19 pandemic, selling his areca nuts to Chinese partners was easier.

He could fetch over $1,000 for a tonne of fresh areca nuts. During and post-pandemic, selling them became challenging. Currently, he sells 1kg of areca nuts for 2,000 riel ($0.50) or one tonne for $500, attributing this shift to his understanding that the Chinese Ministry of Health has banned the consumption of candy made from areca nuts due to the development of potential health risks over time.

Future of areca nut consumption

Nara also notes that areca nut crops are not exclusive to Mondulkiri but extend to Tbong Khmum, Stung Treng, Kampong Cham and Kampot provinces. He has refrained from selling them in the domestic market as local traders typically only accept old areca nuts, breaking them into pieces. Domestic consumers tend to be older individuals who purchase them for personal consumption or for special occasions.

“However, I anticipate that in the future —perhaps just two generations hence— people may refrain from consuming areca nuts,” he observes.

“Domestic consumers prefer areca nut varieties that are typically round and sharp. Chinese traders have traditionally sought only fresh, sharp areca nuts. Nevertheless, the areca nut market has become increasingly unpredictable in recent times,” he remarks.

Chuob Rithy, head of the communications office under the Tbong Khmum provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, tells The Post that in his province, areca nuts are cultivated by residents in Dombae and Tbong Khmum districts.

However, these are not considered plantations but rather smallholder farms. Additionally, a limited number of individuals in Memot district are also engaged in areca nut cultivation.

He notes that these farmers primarily sell their areca nuts within their local areas and distribute them to markets in Phnom Penh and some provinces. Notably, they don’t sell fresh areca nuts but instead process them into dried pieces.

“The market price for areca nuts appears to be stable, and I haven’t received any complaints about it. I may not be aware of any issues so far, but I can’t predict how the price may change in the future,” he adds.

Khim Finan, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, tells The Post that areca nut crops, similar to grapes, consist of smallholder farms and are not considered strategic crops. Consequently, the ministry hasn’t compiled precise data regarding their cultivation and pricing.

He further explains that the ministry currently focuses on strategic crops such as rice, cashews, mangoes, pepper and various others, which have been successfully exported abroad. It actively promotes improved cultivation practices for these crops among farmers.

“Now that we have established production chains, we offer support for strategic crops. As some crops are not considered strategic, we neither promote nor provide support for them. However, we do not discourage individuals from growing them independently,” he says.