Arecanut Growers Seek Protection as Imports Flood Karnataka Market

The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd, along with arecanut growers, have appealed to the government to regulate arecanut imports to support local growers. Concerns arose following Mangaluru International Airport's (MIA) handling of a significant quantity of inbound arecanut cargo. In January, MIA processed 1,519 kg of arecanut at its integrated cargo terminal, marking the highest amount since the initiation of domestic cargo operations on May 1, 2023. The shipment, transported as belly air cargo from Agartala to Mangaluru, was procured by a Shivamogga-based arecanut trading company.

Campco President A Kishore Kumar Kodgi expressed worry about the increasing trend of importing arecanut from other parts of the country via air cargo and supplying it to traditional growing regions like coastal and Malnad parts of Karnataka. He urged the government to scrutinize the crop's origin, transportation rates, and other details to address concerns related to imports and potential tax evasion. This action, he emphasized, would support cooperatives working to stabilize the arecanut market.

Mahesh Puchchappady, General Secretary of All India Areca Growers’ Association, questioned the rationale behind importing red arecanut from Agartala to Shivamogga, a region known for its own red arecanut cultivation. He urged the government to closely examine such developments and take protective measures for the farmers in the region. The cooperative and growers collectively emphasize the need for government intervention to safeguard the interests of local arecanut farmers.