In Assam, the production of betel leaves has increased in the year 2010-11. Assam where betel leaf or pan is chewed by all classes, has produced over 12 thousand Metric tonne pan in that period. State Agriculture minister Nilmani Sen Deka said that pan is being produced in an area of around 35,000 hectare across the state. Sonitpur district has topped the list by producing 1900 metric tonne pan followed by Darrang and Goalpara district. It may be recalled that Pan and Tamul or raw areca nut, are considered as an essential part of the Assamese society. It is a tradition to offer pan -tamul to guests after tea or meals in a brass plate known as Bota. Pan is used in most of the religious festivals. During marriage ceremony; it is being used as a fertility symbol. Pan and tamul are also used to invite guests to wedding receptions in few places of Upper Assam. Apart from it, pan has also health benefit qualities. It can be used to heal wounds. Betel leaf juice is credited with diuretic properties. It is also being applied over the painful areas to relieve intense headache.