MP Brijesh Chowta Advocates for Arecanut Farmers in Meeting with Union Minister
In a significant development, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta held a crucial meeting with Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on Wednesday. The discussion centered on pressing issues faced by arecanut farmers in coastal Karnataka, particularly in the Mangaluru region and surrounding areas.
Challenges with Current FSSAI Moisture Norms
During the meeting, Capt Chowta highlighted the severe challenges stemming from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, which set the permissible moisture content for arecanut at 7%. He explained that in humid and coastal regions like Mangaluru, arecanut is primarily sun-dried, making it nearly impossible for farmers to achieve moisture levels below 11% under field conditions.
This discrepancy has led to widespread rejection or downgrading of produce, causing substantial financial losses for the farmers. Capt Chowta emphasized that arecanut cultivation is vital to the agrarian economy of Dakshina Kannada, supporting numerous small and marginal farmers, cooperatives, and traders who rely on this crop for their livelihoods.
Issues with Moisture Testing and Classification
Capt Chowta also raised concerns about the lack of uniform moisture testing mechanisms across mandis, which often results in arbitrary assessments and price exploitation. Furthermore, he pointed out that the classification of arecanut under 'fruits and nuts' appears technically misaligned. Given its low fat content and closer similarity to commodities like pulses and cereals—where higher moisture limits are permitted—he argued for a reassessment of its category.
Proposed Solutions for Farmer Support
To address these issues, Capt Chowta proposed a comprehensive set of solutions during the meeting:
- Revise the permissible moisture content for arecanut to around 11%, aligning it with comparable agricultural commodities.
- Reassess the classification of arecanut under a more appropriate commodity category.
- Introduce standardized moisture testing protocols across markets to ensure uniformity and transparency.
- Support farmers with improved post-harvest infrastructure, including drying and storage facilities.
He stressed that a balanced and scientifically aligned revision would not only safeguard farmer incomes but also ensure quality consistency, reduce disputes, and strengthen the overall arecanut value chain.
Assurance from Union Minister
In response, Union Minister Chirag Paswan assured that the concerns raised by Capt Chowta would be examined in detail. This commitment offers hope for potential policy adjustments that could alleviate the hardships faced by arecanut farmers in coastal Karnataka.
