Only 20 p.c. of areca handled by CAMPCO

‘Board could help grant relief against diseases and climate changes’

T.N. Prakash Kammaradi (right), Chairman of the Karnataka Agriculture Prices Commission, held a meeting with the farmers. Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim is seen to his left. Photo: R. Eswarraj

The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO) is handling only 20 per cent of the total arecanut produced in the region.

During a meeting held on Saturday, CAMPCO chairman Konkody Padmanabha said the organisation was handling 52,000 metric tonnes of areanut, of which 22,000 metric tonnes pertained to white areanut produced in Dakshina Kannada.

CAMPCO, he said, was handling 20 per cent of the total arecanut produced in the region. “There were no records of how the remaining portion of arecanut is handled. The government should take measures to stop this possible pilferage,” he said.

Deputy Director of Horticulture Yogesh H.R. said that as per revenue records 1.42 lakh farmers were engaged in growing arecanut. Around 33,155 metric tonnes of arecanut was being produced in and around the region.

“Arecanut grown in Kumki land is not being disclosed. Farmers do not disclose about arecanut in their farms for fear of being taxed,” Mr. Yogesh said.