Shimoga is part of Karnataka's high-rainfall Malnad belt. Areca sheaths grown here are known for their rich golden color and broad thickness, but high atmospheric humidity makes post-harvest moisture control critical.
Due to the heavy monsoons in Shimoga, units must apply strict moisture checks. Any sheath with moisture content exceeding 12% will develop black fungal spots within 48 hours of packaging.
Buying raw sheaths from unventilated storage during June-September. Damp sheaths swell in the molds, cracking the edges of finished plates.
We provide layouts for low-cost hot-air pre-dryers and connect you with farmers in Shimoga equipped with solar drying tunnels.