In news– Due to extreme weather conditions, Mahoba’s Desawari variety betel leaf could disappear in three to four years.
About the betel leaf-
- The betel leaf grown in Mahoba is popularly known as the Mahoba paan. The cultivators are mostly Chaurasiyas, a community dedicated to betel farming for centuries.
- Betel vines require good water supply and a subtropical climate, which Mahoba provides.
- The size of this leaf is larger than other betel varieties and they have a unique aroma and lesser fibre with a mild bitterness and sweet taste.
- It obtained a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021.
Varieties of Betel Leaves-
Based on the shape, size, brittleness and taste of the leaf blade, betel vine is classified into pungent and non-pungent varieties.
| State | Popular varieties |
| Andhra Pradesh | Karapaku, Chennor, Tellaku, Bangla and Kalli Patti |
| Assam | Assam Patti, Awani pan, Bangla and Khasi pan |
| Bihar | Desi pan, Calcutta, Paton, Maghai and Bangla |
| Karnataka | Kariyale, Mysoreale and Ambadiale |
| Odisha | Godi Bangla, Nova Cuttak, Sanchi and Birkoli |
| Mahdya Pradesh | Desi Bangl, Calcutta and Deswari |
| Maharashtra | Kallipatti, Kapoori and Bangla (Ramtek) |
| West Bengal | Bangla, Sanchi, Mitha, Kali Bangla and Simurali Bangla |
Source: Down To Earth
