Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 31: Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde assured to send the report about the benefit of areca to the ministry concerned by April 4.

Union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde was in the city for a meet with BJP representatives here on Saturday, March 31.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "Arecanut has high medical value. Recently, rumours are being spread that arecanut consists of carcinogenic substances and that its consumption may lead to cancer. This discussion is making rounds and has created panic in farmers.

"From ancient times, it is believed that areca has strong medicinal values. It is a part of our tradition. We will send a report on 'Areca and human health' to the central health and agriculture minister about the benefits of areca and its medicinal values, prepared by top researchers and scientists.

"We will definitely prove and convince the central government about the benefits of areca," Anant Kumar Hegde added.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, district BJP president Sanjeev Matandoor and others were present.