Panel to be formed to solve arecanut growers' problems

Union Minister for Commerce and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu said that a committee would be set up shortly to discuss problems faced by arecanut growers in the region. 

Speaking at an interaction with the farmers organised by Campco, at Sullia on Tuesday, he said a meeting with the minister, MP and officials will be convened within a week to decide constitution of the committee. 

“The centre will not enter into any treaty that are against the interest of the farmers. Already, the Centre has formulated agriculture export policy,” he added. 

“The Centre is mulling over providing good price for the rubber, one of the commercial crops in the district. The Centre is committed to protect the interest of the farmers,” he added. 

Campco former President Konkodi Padmanabha said the import of arecanut from Myanmar should be banned. Poor quality arecanut is being imported to India illegally. This has put arecanut growers to hardship in the state. The Centre should formulate national rubber policy to protect the interest of rubber growers. 

During the interaction, farmer Kripashankar Thudiyadka said:”Arecanut failed to get good price due to import of arecanut to India. The old stock of arecanut should fetch Rs 350 per kg and fresh arrivals should fetch Rs 300 per kg. All the farm equipment should be provided to farmers at subsidised rate.”

Aranthodu Sahakari Bank President Santhosh Kuthumotte said arecanut is affected with yellow leafe disease for the last 15 years in the last.

Already, arecanut trees on 10,000 hectare have been damaged. 

Campco President S R Sathishchandra, MLA S Angara, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel were present.