New Delhi: A delegation from Karnataka has met Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and sought stronger action against the illegal import of arecanut into the country.
The delegation raised concerns that illegal and undervalued foreign arecanut entering the Indian market could affect domestic growers and put pressure on market prices.
The issue is important for Karnataka, where arecanut is a major plantation crop. Thousands of farmers, particularly in the coastal and Malnad regions, depend on the crop for their livelihood.
The delegation urged the Union government to tighten checks at entry points and prevent the misuse of import procedures and product classifications to bring arecanut into the country.
Concern over domestic prices
Arecanut growers have been raising concerns over imports for several years. Their main worry is that cheaper imported produce could compete with locally grown arecanut.
For farmers, the impact could be felt directly in the market. A fall in prices comes at a time when plantation costs for labour, fertilisers, plant protection and harvesting remain high. The delegation therefore sought measures to ensure that imported arecanut does not undermine the domestic market.
Why it matters to coastal Karnataka
The issue has particular significance for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and other arecanut-growing districts. Puttur and surrounding areas have a large number of arecanut plantations. The crop supports not only farmers but also agricultural workers, traders, transporters and processing businesses.
Any sustained pressure on arecanut prices can therefore have an impact beyond individual farms.
Demand for stronger enforcement
The delegation's demand is focused on stopping illegal imports, rather than restricting legitimate trade.
It has called for better monitoring of imported arecanut and stricter enforcement of existing rules to prevent undervaluation and the misuse of import classifications.
The sector has also been seeking stronger protection for domestic growers through measures such as the Minimum Import Price and tighter controls on imports.
For Karnataka's arecanut farmers, the message from the latest representation is clear: prevent illegal imports and ensure that domestic growers are not forced to compete with undervalued foreign produce.
Keywords
Illegal arecanut imports, Karnataka arecanut farmers, Amit Shah, Puttur arecanut, Dakshina Kannada arecanut, CAMPCO, Puttur News, Puttur Suddi, Citizen News Puttur