The Central Arecanut & Cocoa Marketing & Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO) has made an urgent appeal to the Finance Minister, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting the Government to initiate comprehensive scientific research on the safety and potential anti-carcinogenic properties of Arecanut in its natural form. CAMPCO has also called for the allocation of funds for this purpose in the upcoming Union Budget.
In a detailed letter to the Finance Minister, CAMPCO President Mr. A. Kishore Kumar Kodgi stressed that Arecanut cultivation supports the livelihoods of millions of Indian farmers. With an estimated 9.55 lakh hectares under Arecanut cultivation, India produces around 17–18 lakh metric tonnes annually, underscoring the crop’s economic and cultural significance. Additionally, CAMPCO highlighted its contribution to the national economy, having remitted over Rs 650 crores in GST since the tax’s implementation.
CAMPCO expressed concern over the World Health Organization’s classification of Arecanut as carcinogenic, which has caused anxiety among farmers. The cooperative argued that the WHO’s stance primarily stems from studies involving harmful mixtures like gutka and betel quid, which contain additives such as tobacco, rather than Arecanut in its natural form.
To challenge this perception, CAMPCO cited research from various reputed institutions suggesting that Arecanut in its original form may have health benefits, including potential anti-carcinogenic properties. Studies by the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), Emory University (USA), and Taipei Medical University Hospital (Taiwan) have demonstrated that Arecanut extracts exhibit tumor-suppressing properties without damaging healthy cells.
Additionally, a survey by Nitte University indicated that individuals consuming Arecanut alone did not show signs of oral cancer, unlike those using Arecanut in combination with tobacco and other substances.
CAMPCO has suggested that renowned institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and the Indian Institute of Science could conduct independent or collaborative studies to explore Arecanut’s properties.
The cooperative also consulted Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at WHO, who supported the idea of revisiting the WHO classification and exploring Arecanut’s potential health benefits through rigorous scientific research.
CAMPCO’s letter emphasizes the need for a fair and evidence-based reassessment of Arecanut’s properties to protect farmers’ livelihoods and advance scientific knowledge. “We are optimistic that the Government will prioritize funding for research in this area.
This initiative is critical not only for the agricultural community but also for expanding our understanding of Arecanut’s potential benefits,” said Mr. Kodgi. The cooperative’s appeal underscores the importance of addressing the concerns of farmers while ensuring a balanced and science-driven approach to the Arecanut debate.