'Govt move may harm areca farmers'

Government’s proposal to promote alternative crop for arecanut in the backdrop of gutkha ban will pose threat to the living of arecanut farmers, said JDS vice president H T Rajendra.

Addressing mediapersons here, he said that the Central government’s stand in this regard is apprehensive. It is unfortunate that the MPs and MLAs in the region did not bring the possible impacts on the future of areca growers to the notice of the government, he added.

Political parties should raise voice unanimously to find solution to the problems of areca growers, he said. JDS will hold a meeting of growers in October, he added.