Abstract:

In recent years, the betel nut planting industry in Hainan Province has developed rapidly. Industrial adjustment and optimization will be the focus of its future development, and a reasonable production area layout is crucial for the sustainable development of the betel nut industry in Hainan. Using regional comparative advantage index and resource endowment coefficient, this study analyzed the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of betel nut production in various cities and counties in Hainan from 2005 to 2022. The results showed that the scale of betel nut cultivation in Hainan had significantly increased, but the yield had significantly decreased. The calculated results of the comprehensive comparative advantage index and resource endowment coefficient showed strong consistency. The central regions of Qiongzhong, Ding'an, Baoting, and Tunchang had stronger comparative advantages in betel nut production, which were key areas for the production layout in Hainan. The leading advantage of traditional planting areas in the east was gradually weakening, while the overall western region lacked comparative advantages but showed a clear upward trend. The production of betel nuts in Hainan presents a pattern of retreating in the east, advancing in the west, and maintaining dominance in the center. The driving factors of spatial-temporal evolution mainly include higher economic benefits, the diffusion of high-yield cultivation and management techniques, and the spread of diseases and pests such as yellowing disease. It is recommended to reasonably adjust the layout of betel nut production, moderately control of planting scale, strengthen socialized services, clarify the regulatory policies for edible betel nut products, and accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the betel nut industry.

Key words: betel nut, production layout, comparative advantage, Hainan Province