Local growers worried as Centre decides to import areca from Bhutan

Areca growers of Malnad area are up in arms over the latest Central authorities determination to import inexperienced arecanuts from Bhutan. The unconditional consent to import 17,000 metric tons of arecanuts will convey down the value within the native market, they worry.

Protests deliberate

Growers, who’re already dealing with difficulties as a consequence of yellow-leaf illness and leaf spot illness, that introduced down the yield considerably in lots of components of the area, are planning protests in opposition to the transfer. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) has referred to as for a protest march in Shivamogga on October 14 on this subject.

Karnataka stands first amongst areca growers within the nation. Lately, the areca rising space has unfold to new locations. “At current, areca is grown in 23 districts of the state. Amongst them, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada and Hassan high the listing,” mentioned Ramesh Hegde, president of Areca Growers’ Affiliation in Shivamogga district.

The choice to import arecanut with out minimal import worth would profit a couple of retailers however depart the growers to endure, they really feel. “That is the time when arrivals to the market go up. There isn’t any want of importing areca to fulfil the native demand. There may be ample inventory within the godowns as nicely,” he mentioned.

Mr. Hegde alleged that throughout the BJP authorities, areca growers had suffered humiliation on many events. “Up to now, the federal government’s representatives termed areca carcinogenic and one other consultant proposed to ban it. Again and again, the Centre has hit areca growers. We are going to strongly oppose this transfer,” he mentioned.

At current, areca is grown in 23 districts of Karnataka. Amongst them, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada and Hassan high the listing. file photograph
| Picture Credit score: RAVIPRASAD KAMILA

Protest on October 14

Native growers are fearful that with the entry of areca from Bhutan, the value will go down within the native market. At current, the Rashi selection is bought at ₹ 49,000 per quintal. “The value will regularly come down as soon as the arrival from Bhutan begins. That is sufficient for the retailers to convey down the value in native markets,” mentioned H.R. Basavarajappa, president of KRRS.

He’s main the protest to be held on October 14 in Shivamogga. Areca retailers’ affiliation, Sahyadri Adike Sahakara Sangha and a few different growers’ associations have prolonged their help to the protest.

Chief of Opposition Siddaramaiah just lately issued a press release criticising the Centre’s transfer. “The Centre’s determination reveals its conceitedness. They’ve taken the choice at a time when areca growers have been demanding a complete ban on the import of areca,” he mentioned.

This transfer would possibly enable massive amount imports from different international locations within the close to future, inflicting immense loss to native growers, he mentioned. Nevertheless, Residence Minister Araga Jnanendra, who additionally heads the State Areca Process Power, has mentioned that import wouldn’t impression the native market.