Sri Lanka
Usually in
Sri Lanka, matured nuts (ripened fruits) are harvested and used mostly to make
Chali (white supari). Small quantity of Neeradike (fermented areca nut) is produced
by storing it in water tanks for local consumption. Betel quid is made out of
areca nut slices, betel leaf, slaked lime and tobacco.
As per one
study in 2011, the prevalence of betel quid with tobacco in the rural area
(17.6%) was significantly higher than in the urban area (1.6%). The
prevalence was lowest among males between 18 and 24 years of age (2.7%) and
highest among those over 65 years (36%). In rural areas, the prevalence of
betel quid chewing was 18.2% among Sinhalese and 6.6% among others. Another
survey in 2018 showed the prevalence of daily Betel quid chewing to be 53.8%:
15.7% without tobacco and 47.4% with tobacco.
Bhutan
Like in northeastern states (Assam and Meghalaya etc.) of India, the harvested areca fruit is processed in Bhutan as well. The harvested mature areca fruits are fermented to preserve it for a long time. Fermented betel nut is called as “Doma” in Bhutan. Doma is an integral part of Bhutanese tradition and culture. Invariably the betel quid chewers either add tobacco to the betel quid or indulge in smoking.
The prevalence of Doma consumption in Bhutan is 45% and it is more common in females, armed forces personnel, professionals, rural residents and it was less common in people with higher education. In Bhutanese cultures, spitting is frowned upon. Hence, the consumer swallows the juice from chewing Doma.
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