'Regulate import of poor quality of pepper'

Karnataka Growers Federation district organising secretary D M Vijay said that black pepper growers are in distress following a steep fall in the price of pepper.

Poor quality of pepper is being imported to India. The imported pepper is mixed with high-quality pepper from India and exported to different countries.

If measures are not taken to check the import of poor quality pepper within 15 days, then a bandh will be called in four districts of Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts.

'Price affected'

Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said, "Pepper is being imported from Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The imported pepper is mixed with Indian pepper and is exported. This has affected the price of pepper."

Pepper was fetching Rs 500 to Rs 700 per kg just six to seven years ago. Now, the price has come down to Rs 340. The production cost of pepper per kg is Rs 468. The price is much lower than the production cost, he said.