Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Take Steps To Protect The Interests Of Areca Nut Farmers In The Country. on 17 December, 2013
> Title: Need to take steps to protect the interests of Areca nut farmers in the country.
SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL (DAKSHINA KANNADA): Areca nut is used in religious, social and cultural ceremonies in the country. There are thousands of families engaged in cultivation, trade and marketing of Areca nut in 12 States.
Many researches have stated that Areca nut is a useful product. The High Court of Karnataka has upheld the same in its Judgment in the year 2007.
However, Areca nut growers are very much concerned over the recent developments for prohibiting the use of tobacco and betel nut (Areca nut) as ingredients in any food products.
Therefore, I would like to impress upon the Union Government that keeping the traditional background of the Areca nut and also the livelihood of thousands of families in mind, Areca nut must be classified as a useful product and any move which would affect the interest of Areca nut growers may be stopped with immediate effect.