Mangaluru: Farmers engaged in arecanut cultivation in Karnataka are set to organize a tractor and vehicle rally on March 7 to express their opposition to the import of arecanuts from other countries. The march is coordinated by Raitha Sangagala Okkuta and various pro-farmer organizations in the district. The protesters aim to highlight that India already produces sufficient high-quality arecanut compared to other nations.

Sunny D’Souza, district president of Okkuta, emphasized the detrimental impact of encouraging areca imports, especially on Indian farmers, particularly those from Karnataka, who play a significant role in global production. Despite diseases affecting areca crops, such as fruit rot and yellow leaf diseases, farmers in Dakshina Kannada have doubled their production over the years.

D’Souza raised concerns about the burden on local farmers due to the import policy, leading to price drops and financial losses. To protest against the government’s import policy, farmers plan to rally from BC Road, culminating at the deputy commissioner’s office on March 7.

The Okkuta’s demands include a complete ban on areca and coconut imports, a loan waiver for farmers, an end to atrocities against protesting farmers in Delhi, withdrawal of anti-farmer bills, monetary compensation for farmers who lost their lives due to crop loss, compensation for areca farmers affected by diseases, and halting the proposed 400 KV power line plan that could impact farmers in Bantwal taluk.

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