Campco raises alarm over import of roasted areca nut affecting domestic growers

Mangaluru: The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO) has raised alarm over the import of roasted arecanut, which is severely impacting domestic growers. A letter has been submitted to the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry seeking immediate intervention to safeguard farmers' livelihoods.

"Roasted arecanut is being imported as a value-added product, bypassing customs duty and entering the market under misclassified categories. This malpractice distorts market dynamics, keeps prices stagnant despite supply shortages, and undermines the efforts of Indian growers," said Campco President A Kishore Kumar Kodgi.

The Campco highlights that such imports, subject only to 12 per cent GST through Advance Ruling Licenses, are being mixed with local varieties, compromising quality and leading to rejection by buyers. This directly affects farmers, by bringing down prices of the Chali variety and threatening their earnings.

The Campco has urged the government to implement a minimum import price for Arecanut in all forms, including roasted and value-added types, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent misclassification under HSN codes.

The Campco President also urged the government to formulate policies to ensure fair competition and protect domestic growers.

He has appealed to farmers to avoid purchasing and mixing imported arecanut to safeguard quality and the agricultural community's collective interests.

"The Campco remains committed to the welfare of farmers. United action is essential to prevent further disruptions and secure the livelihoods of areca growers," he said.