Karnataka: Call To Protect Arecanut Growers Amid Gutkha Ban
“The arecanut growers’ association has no objection to the public health measures being taken by the government against tobacco and nicotine products": Mahesh Puchapady
MANGALURU: Farmers, farmer organisations and cooperative bodies have urged the state government to ensure that the enforcement of its notification prohibiting the sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine does not affect the arecanut market or growers.
All India Arecanut Growers’ Association president Mahesh Puchapady told Deccan Chronicle that the government should issue clear guidelines to ensure that action against tobacco and nicotine products does not affect arecanut growers.
“The arecanut growers’ association has no objection to the public health measures being taken by the government against tobacco and nicotine products. However, prohibited products containing tobacco and nicotine should not be viewed in the same light as arecanut, which is traditionally cultivated as an agricultural crop,” he said.
Taking note of the notification, Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO) president SR Satishchandra also urged the government to ensure that its implementation does not affect arecanut growers or the legitimate trade in arecanut.
Describing arecanut as an important plantation crop and a major source of livelihood for farmers in Karnataka and other parts of the country, Satishchandra said CAMPCO respected the government’s public health objective.
“However, there must be a clear distinction between arecanut as an agricultural commodity and products containing tobacco and nicotine. The enforcement of the notification should remain focused on the prohibited products and should not result in unintended consequences for arecanut growers or the legitimate arecanut trade,” he said.
He also referred to data placed before Parliament to underline the economic significance of the sector. Karnataka recorded the highest state-wise GST collection from arecanut and arecanut-based products, with collections rising from Rs 172.62 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 379.34 crore in 2025-26. The state recorded a further Rs 90.02 crore in the first quarter of 2026-27.
“The figures underline the importance of arecanut and its trade to Karnataka and reinforce the need to ensure that enforcement measures against tobacco and nicotine products do not affect legitimate arecanut trade or the livelihood of growers,” Satishchandra said.
Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai also said he would take up the issue with the Chief Minister.
“We stand by the arecanut growers. There is no question of allowing their interests to be affected. I will speak to the Chief Minister and seek measures in the interest of arecanut growers,” he said.