Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Oct 7: Horticulture experts have given a report for the formation of an arecanut board for the welfare of arecanut growers in the state, informed chief whip of legislative council Ivan D'Souza.

Addressing media persons here at his office on September 6, Ivan said, "Since I have been appointed as the MLC, i have raised my voice for arecanut growers in the council. As a result of taking up this issue reportedly, an expert committee was formed to prepare a report on the need for formation of arecanut board. The expert committee after thorough study has strongly recommended formation of the board."

"Report has been submitted to the chief minister by the expert committee. India produces the maximum amount of arecanut in the world. Karnataka, being the top grower with 49 percent of total arecanut production in the country, requires a board for the betterment of the crop growers. For the past 20 years, the production has increased by three times. According to the report, there is very less scope to grow other crops due to the rainfall of this region." he added.

"The chief minister has positively responded to the demand and promised to take necessary steps. I have requested the chief minister to form the board in the next budget with a big amount of corpus fund. I have also asked him to make the head office of the board in Mangaluru. It is preferred that the board is formed by the central government as well so that the arecanut growers of the whole nation benefit from it. I request the member of parliament and union minister of this region to convince the Prime Minister and commerce minister to form this board." Ivan said.