Mangaluru: In order to look into issues faced by arecanut farmers as well as to strengthen the production, marketing process and value addition of arecanuts, a separate board for arecanuts will soon be established, informed Dr T.N. Prakash Kammardi, Chairman, Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission, Bengaluru.
Addressing the media and leaders from the farming sector at the DC’s office here on Monday, October 26, he said that inspite of the presence of several marketing co-operatives operating in different parts of the state, much progress has not been achieved in production of value added products including the Nutraceuticals from arecanut. In this view, the establishment of a separate board becomes necessary.
“The move will also enhance the contribution of areca to the economy significantly,” he added.
“The Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission made elaborate consultation with stake holders inter alia farmers, marketing co-operatives, scientists, experts, trading organizations and government officials in the major areca growing regions of the state in this regard,” he said.
The consensus that emerged regarding essential features of the proposed arecanut board is as follows:
– The board should have its jurisdiction of the entire country and hence be enacted by the parliament.
– It should be in line with coffee board or rubber board with equal stake between Government of India (GOI) and Government of Karnataka (GOK) with regard to policy formation, decision making, program execution, corpus fund contribution and appointment to key positions, technical as well as non-technical stuff.
– At the centre, it should be under the control of either Ministry of Commerce or the Ministry of Agriculture.
– The Chairman and the technical staff will be appointed by the Centre whereas the appointment of Managing Director, Secretary and administrative staffs will be undertaken by the GOK
– An initial corpus fund of around Rs 100 crores needs to be created and shared by the State and Central governments.
– Heads of different co-operatives involved in the arecanut cultivation and marketing will be the members representing the farming community from different states.
– Care must be taken to see that the powers on all matters related to formulation of policies and programs is properly shared between the centre and the state, chairman and the vice chairman on the other, so as to reflect the interests of all stakeholders adequately.
– The head quarter should be situated in a main areca producing area and trading centre preferably in Shivamogga
