New Book 'Arecanut – History, Constituents, Cancer and Beyond' Provides Scientific Clarity
Mangaluru: The newly released book 'Arecanut – History, Constituents, Cancer and Beyond' offers comprehensive scientific clarity on the constituents of arecanut and effectively addresses widespread doubts over allegations that it contains carcinogenic elements, according to CAMPCO president SR Satishchandra.
Economic Backbone and Scientific Foundation
Satishchandra made these remarks while presiding over a CAMPCO programme on Wednesday to release the book authored by Dr Prasanna Belur, a professor at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal. He emphasized the critical economic role of arecanut cultivation in the region, referencing a recent report that ranked Dakshina Kannada as the eighth richest district in the country.
"From traditional practices like Bhoota Kola and Yakshagana to essential temple Brahmakalasha rituals and funding education, arecanut forms the undeniable economic backbone of this region," Satishchandra stated. "Therefore, opposition from certain lobbies is natural. To counter such narratives effectively, a strong scientific and historical foundation was urgently needed, and this book provides precisely that robust foundation."
NITK Director Highlights Research and AI Potential
During the book release ceremony, NITK director Prof B Ravi highlighted the significant potential for value addition and market expansion in arecanut cultivation. He stressed the pressing need for more extensive research on the health aspects of arecanut and announced that NITK is fully prepared to collaborate on comprehensive studies.
"Our institute is ready to partner on research focusing on improved cultivation practices, quality enhancement, advanced harvesting technology, and effective disease management," Prof Ravi explained. He further noted that artificial intelligence could be strategically utilized for these purposes, with more than 300 dedicated researchers at NITK ready to contribute their expertise to these vital studies.
Valuable Scientific Reference and Growers' Perspective
Economist Vigneshwara Varmudi praised the book, stating that it clearly and thoroughly explains the properties and constituents of arecanut, making it an invaluable scientific reference for researchers and stakeholders alike.
Mahesh Puchappady, president of the All India Arecanut Growers' Association, shared that growers have historically struggled to counter claims linking arecanut to cancer due to a severe lack of proper scientific documentation. "In this critical context, this publication assumes tremendous significance," Puchappady affirmed, highlighting how the book empowers growers with evidence-based information.
Author's Personal Journey and Discovery
Sharing his personal research journey, author Prof Prasanna Belur revealed that his interest in arecanut research began unexpectedly during the Covid-19 pandemic when he assisted with arecanut harvesting at his home. "For processing red arecanut, we used stored chogaru, a concentrated red liquid from the previous year. Interestingly, though the lid of the container was loose, the liquid did not spoil. This unusual observation sparked my scientific curiosity," he recounted.
Prof Belur detailed that while microorganisms formed on the surface of the liquid, its colour, smell, and taste remained completely unchanged. "Our subsequent research revealed that powerful antioxidants present in arecanut were responsible for preserving it, leading to deeper investigations into its constituents," he concluded, underscoring the book's foundation in firsthand empirical study.
