(a) whether the Government has received any representation from the arecanut growers with
regard to the severe fall in the prices of arecanut in the country, especially in Kerala and
Karnataka;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any relief measures to save the arecanut farmers; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Several representations from farmers` organizations and CAMPCO have been received.
(c): Yes, Sir.
(d): Government of India constituted an Expert Committee, under the Chairmanship of Dr. P.
Rethinam, Former Chairman, Coconut Development Board. Considering the present trend of fall
in price, as well as the problems of arecanut farmers, as represented by the various organizations,
Governments of India raised the import duty of arecanut from 35% to 100% to restrict the
imports. Further, the Finance Ministry has also issued instructions to the Customs Officials to
prevent the illegal entry of Arecanut into the country.