CAMPCO seeks government intervention against WHO data manipulation

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, November 26, 2024: The Central Arecanut & Cocoa Marketing & Processing Cooperative Ltd. (CAMPCO), representing lakhs of Arecanut Farmers, has formally appealed to the Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Sri.Jagat Prakash Nadda, seeking urgent action against the alleged data manipulation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

CAMPCO highlighted that the WHO/IARC misrepresented research findings to wrongly implicate Arecanut as Carcinogenic. Original studies primarily focused on tobacco, yet Arecanut was unjustifiably included with manipulated sample sizes and misleading titles. These distortions have severely impacted the livelihoods of lakhs of Arecanut Farmers who depend on the crop for sustenance.

Call for action

CAMPCO has urged the Hon’ble Minister to advocate for a fair review of WHO’s classification of Arecanut. The cooperative has already requested Government support for advanced research through premier institutions such as AIIMS, New Delhi; CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru; and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.

“Arecanut is a lifeline for lakhs of farmers. Misguided classifications not only harms  livelihoods but also ignore scientific evidence that underscores its safety and benefits,” emphasized Mr. Kodgi.

Looking ahead

CAMPCO is optimistic that the Government’s intervention will pave the way for fair representation of Arecanut and ensure the livelihoods of Farmers reliant on its cultivation. The cooperative remains committed to protecting farmer interests while promoting scientific understanding of this significant crop.

The letter addressed to Sri.Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, GOI is attached herewith for your reference and needful.