Mangaluru: A meeting of the Arecanut Research and Development Foundation (ARDF) was held on 26th October 2026 under the chairmanship of Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. The members congratulated Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade on the occasion of his ‘59th Pattabhisheka Vardhanti’ (Coronation Anniversary).
During the meeting, Sri S. R. Satishchandra, Managing Trustee of ARDF and President of CAMPCO, informed that a total of 34 arecanut samples had been received during the current year from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Department for examination, this reflected the recognition ARDF had been receiving at the national level. The meeting also held detailed discussions on the International Arecanut Summit proposed to be organised in 2027 in collaboration with CAMPCO. Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade assured his full cooperation towards organising the summit.
At present, ARDF is primarily focused on arecanut research, however, with a view to expand its research activities to include other agricultural commodities such as black pepper, coffee, cocoa and rubber, it was decided to make the necessary amendments to the Trust Deed.
Extensive discussions held on obtaining government-level recognition for ARDF. In this regard, it was decided to explore collaborations with Universities or Government departments engaged in research and to enter into appropriate agreements to facilitate the establishment of well-equipped laboratories, a library and the appointment of the necessary staff to support research activities. It was further decided to obtain the required information from Mangalore University and initiate further action accordingly.
The meeting was attended by Sri S. R. Satishchandra, Managing Trustee of ARDF and President of CAMPCO; Dr. B. V. Satyanarayana, Managing Director of CAMPCO and Trustee of ARDF; Dr.Keshava Bhat Executive Officer, ARDF, Sri.Surya Narayana, Vice President of Areca Mahamandala, Sri.Mahesh H. S., Vice-President of MAMCOS, Shivamogga; Sri Narasimha Hegde, Director of TSS; and Sri Madhu, Managing Director of TUMCOS, Channagiri, and Dr. Vigneshwara Varmudy attended the meeting as a special invitee.