Bengaluru, 25 August 2026: A delegation led by MLA and President of the Karnataka Arecanut Cooperative Societies Federation, Araga Jnanendra, met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at his residence in Sadashivanagar and urged the government to take steps to protect the interests of arecanut growers across Karnataka.
Delegation discussed several issues affecting arecanut farmers in different parts of the State, including the gutka ban, fluctuations in arecanut prices, rising production costs and market-related challenges.
Arecanut cultivation is a major source of livelihood for thousands of farming families in Karnataka's Malnad and coastal regions. Delegation pointed out that growers are facing increasing difficulties due to the shortage of agricultural labour, rising prices of fertilisers and farm inputs, higher production costs, changing weather conditions and uncertainty in the market.
Delegation urged the government to take necessary measures keeping the interests of arecanut growers in mind. It sought steps to strengthen the market mechanism so that growers receive a stable and fair price for their produce. It also requested the government to make arecanut procurement and marketing through cooperative institutions more effective and farmer friendly.
Delegation said there was a need for the government to find appropriate solutions to the problems faced by arecanut growers at the State level and urged coordination among the concerned departments to implement necessary measures.
Speaking after the meeting, Araga Jnanendra said government support was essential to protect the interests of arecanut growers. “We urged the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to address the problems faced by arecanut growers in a phased manner. He has assured us that appropriate action will be taken,” Jnanendra said.
Keywords
Arecanut growers Karnataka, Araga Jnanendra, D K Shivakumar, arecanut price, gutka ban Karnataka, arecanut farmers, Citizen News Puttur