The Central Arecanut & Cocoa Marketing & Processing Cooperative Ltd. (CAMPCO), representing millions of arecanut farmers across India, has made a heartfelt appeal to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, urging the government to take immediate steps against the alleged data manipulation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
CAMPCO has accused WHO and IARC of distorting scientific research to wrongfully classify arecanut as carcinogenic. The cooperative asserts that original studies, which primarily focused on the effects of tobacco use, were misinterpreted to include arecanut.
It has alleged that manipulated sample sizes and misleading research titles were employed to unjustly implicate arecanut in the same category as harmful carcinogens. Such classifications, CAMPCO emphasized, have caused significant damage to the livelihoods of millions of farmers who depend on arecanut cultivation as their primary source of income.
In its representation to the government, CAMPCO expressed grave concern about the far-reaching consequences of such misrepresentation. Farmers have already started to feel the economic and social impact of this classification, with market demand for arecanut declining due to growing misconceptions about its safety.
CAMPCO underscored that this classification ignores several studies that highlight the cultural and economic significance of arecanut and dismisses evidence that underscores its safety when consumed traditionally.
To address the issue, CAMPCO has called for a fair and transparent review of WHO’s classification of arecanut. The cooperative has requested the government to facilitate advanced and unbiased research on arecanut’s properties and potential health implications through leading Indian institutions such as AIIMS in New Delhi, CSIR-CFTRI in Mysuru, and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. Such studies, it believes, will provide clarity and safeguard the reputation of this essential crop.
Speaking on behalf of the cooperative, Mr. Kodgi highlighted the plight of arecanut farmers, stating, “Arecanut is a lifeline for millions of farmers. The misrepresentation not only endangers their livelihoods but also undermines scientific integrity. We urge the government to take decisive action to rectify this unjust situation.”
CAMPCO remains optimistic that the government will stand by its farmers and advocate for their rights at the international level. The cooperative also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting farmer interests while promoting a scientifically sound understanding of arecanut.
A formal appeal, along with a letter addressed to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, has been submitted for immediate consideration.