Nolhivaranfaru Council Tightens Rules on Betel Nut Picking from Leased Land

The Nolhivaranfaru Council has requested that betel nut not be picked from land plots leased out by the Council without the permission of the party holding the lease, stating that some parties are openly picking and selling betel nut in excess of the permitted amount. The Council said the land plots leased out under its supervision are leased in a manner that brings benefit to the island's finances and also allows the public to benefit. The plots have been leased in a manner that allows the public to pick betel nut for household consumption on Fridays and Saturdays. However, the Council noted that some parties, in violation of the Council's notice and without the permission of the party that has leased the land plot, are picking betel nut. The institution also disclosed that it has come to be known that betel nut is being sold commercially after being picked without permission in this manner. As a solution, the Council has instructed that, starting from 11 November 2026, the public may pick betel nut for household consumption from the leased land plots only on Fridays and Saturdays. The Council has also determined that betel nut may be picked at a rate of 10 betel nuts per person per day, totaling 20 betel nuts for the two days. The Council further said that picking betel nut in excess of this determined amount, and on days other than Friday and Saturday, must be done with the permission of the party that has leased the land plot and in the manner instructed by that party. In addition, the Council reminded that, although picking betel nut without the permission of the party holding the land may be thought of as a very small matter, it is an act of theft. The Council has therefore requested that betel nut not be picked without permission, that betel nut picked in that manner not be sold, and that such betel nut not be bought. It has also instructed that information about parties picking betel nut in violation of the Council's notice be reported to the Council.