Abstract

In view of their proximity to Madras City, where there is a great demand for the leaves, betel vine cultivation is very important in the villages of Poonamallee and Kunnathoor. The area under this crop at present is about 350 acres. The crop is cultivated entirely under well irrigation, except for a few months in the year (October to March) when water from the Chembarambakkam tank is utilised. Unlike other crops which are raised by the efforts of individual farmers, a plot of betel vine garden is managed by a group comprising 15 to 20 men, who pool their resources to meet the cultivation expenses and likewise share the profit. The land is generally taken on lease, and the lease amount ranges from Rs. 75 to Rs. 100 per acre. About ten years ago, gardens when once started, used to flourish and yield well, even up to six years. Lately, the life of a garden has become shortened and now-a-days no garden thrives for more than three years. This is attributed to wilt disease, common in all the gardens in this tract. The gardens go by the name Illangal thottam in the first year, Sambakkal thottam in the second year, and Muthukal thottam in the third year. Each cultivator will have a share in each of the three stages of maturity, so that he may have a steady income.

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