The campco industries is in deep trouble owing to Centre’s decision to stop plastic sachets of gutkhas. The arecanut cooperatives which produce raw material for sachets is sure to lose everything in the face of this decision.
Readers may be aware that Supreme Court had ruled that from March 1 plastic sachets would not be allowed. Following apex court decision, the Centre has issued notifications to this effect.
The Campco Ltd as a “Co-operative” is a success story which came into being in 70s.
The arecanut cooperatives of Karnataka , devasted by the decision went to meet the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr B S Yeddurappa. A patient CM offered them to help and take up the matter with the Centre so that the ban be extended for one year.
The CM told that he would discuss the issue with leaders of various political parties and farmer leaders in the state and lead a delegation to New Delhi before March 11 to discuss the issue with the ministers concerned. The delegation would also meet the PM.
The Chief Minister also offered to infuse Rs 100 crores as market intervention to save the cooperatives.
The campco Managing Director A Subrahmanya Bhat has also said that a delegation plans to meet the PM to help save the cooperatives from complete destruction.
This case is classic example of rift between development and environmental concerns. Without planning any alternative for the arecanut cooperatives , govt move to ban plastic sachets is at best described as cruel.