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CAMPCO urges action to protect Arecanut farmers from disruptions
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Tuesday, 28 January, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Bengaluru
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The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative (CAMPCO), has raised alarm over the import of roasted Arecanut, which is severely impacting domestic growers. In this regard it has communicated to the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, seeking immediate intervention to safeguard farmers' livelihoods.
A Kishore Kumar Kodgi, president, CAMPCO, said, “Roasted Arecanut is being imported under HSN Code 20081920 as a value-added product, bypassing customs duty and entering the market under misclassified categories. This malpractice distorts market dynamics, keeps prices stagnant despite supply shortages, and undermines the efforts of Indian growers.”
In the communication, Kodgi highlighted that such imports, subject only to 12% GST through Advance Ruling Licenses, are being mixed with local varieties, compromising quality and leading to rejection by buyers. This directly affects farmers, pulling down prices of the Chali variety and threatening their earnings.
To address this, it has urged Government to implement a minimum import price for Arecanut in all forms, including roasted and value-added types. The cooperative also has asked to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent misclassification under HSN codes. Further, there is a need for the government to formulate policies to ensure fair competition and protect domestic growers.
It has also made a fervent appeal to the farmers to avoid purchasing and mixing imported Arecanut to safeguard the quality and the agricultural community's collective interests. It remains committed to the welfare of Farmers. United action is essential to prevent further disruptions and secure the livelihoods of Areca growers.
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