CAMPCO appeals for Comprehensive Research on Arecanut in its original form

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 2, 2024: The Central Arecanut & Cocoa Marketing & Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO) has reached out to the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Ms.Nirmala Sitharaman, to urge the Government to commission detailed scientific research to validate the safety and potential anti-carcinogenic properties of Arecanut in its original form. CAMPCO has also requested the allocation of necessary funds in the upcoming Budget to support this Research.

In a letter to the Union Finance Minister, CAMPCO President Mr.A.Kishore Kumar Kodgi highlighted that the livelihoods of lakhs of Indian Farmers depend on Arecanut cultivation. With India cultivating Arecanut on approximately 9.55 lakh hectares and producing around 17–18 lakh metric tonnes annually, the sector’s economic and cultural significance is immense. CAMPCO itself has contributed significantly to the nation’s economy, remitting over ₹650 crores in GST since its implementation.

The World Health Organization’s classification of Arecanut as carcinogenic has caused significant distress among Arecanut Farmers. CAMPCO’s letter emphasizes that this classification is largely based on studies involving harmful mixtures like Gutka and betel quid, which include additives such as tobacco, rather than Arecanut in its natural form.

To counter this, CAMPCO presented evidence from multiple international and national research studies that suggest Arecanut may possess anti-carcinogenic properties and other health benefits. Notably:

Research by the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), Emory University (USA), and Taipei Medical University Hospital (Taiwan) has demonstrated that Arecanut extracts exhibit tumor-suppressing properties without adverse effects on healthy cells.

A survey by Nitte University revealed that individuals consuming Arecanut alone showed no signs of oral cancer, unlike those who used Arecanut with Tobacco and other substances.

CAMPCO has proposed research by prestigious institutions such as ICMR, ICAR, AIIMS, and the Indian Institute of Science independently or collaboratively. The Cooperative recently consulted Dr.Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist at WHO, who supported the idea of revisiting the WHO’s classification and exploring the potential health benefits of Arecanut.

Call to Action

CAMPCO’s appeal to the Government seeks to ensure a fair scientific assessment of Arecanut’s properties in its original form and to safeguard the livelihood of Farmers. “We are optimistic that the Government will prioritize funding for research in this area. This initiative is of importance not just for the agricultural community but also for advancing scientific knowledge about Arecanut,” said Mr.Kodgi.