Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KD/AF)

Mangalore, Jun 25: Steps will be taken to curb illegal import of arecanut from Nepal through Kolkata port, said union minister for agriculture Sharad Pawar.

A press release from Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO) president S R Rangamurthy stated that Pawar has assured the delegation of arecanut growers that the illegal import of arecanut which is being done through an import provision at Kolkata Port will soon be curbed.
 
Pawar also said that a meeting will be held once the union commerce minister Kamal Nath returns from his foreign tour.

A memorandum was submitted to Pawar requesting him to protect the interests of arecanut growers in the wake of decreasing rates. The delegation included former minister R V Deshpande, MLA Arga Jnanendra and others.

The delegation sought that a minimum floor prize of Rs 60 per kg on imported ‘chali’ variety (white arecanut) and Rs 85 per kg on imported red variety be fixed besides imposing 100 per cent imported duty the release stated.