Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Jan 13: Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Friday, January 13 defended his statement that arecanut producers should not be encouraged.
He said, “I am with arecanut growers. Government said that there is no need to develop new arecanut farms in plain lands of the state by extending support. We will grow arecanut only in the coastal belt and Malnad regions, which have been cultivating the crop from ages.
People have got loans from the world bank saying that they will grow oilseeds and other food articles but that money is being used to develop arecanut farms by constructing dams. One crore arecanut saplings are sold per year.
Already yield has started on 2500 acres of land in Andhra Pradesh. So I do not know for how long the price of arecanut will stay in the market. Arecanut cannot be used for any other purpose than just chewing and throwing. The price of arecanut is a curse to the crop.
During the Congress regime, it was proved in Supreme Court that consumption of arecanut leads to cancer. That needs to be withdrawn. So arecanut farming is in chaos. Farmers cultivate crops that are profitable. We cannot do anything. But there is no need to grow it in new farm lands with the support of the government.”
Earlier prior to the arrest of Santro Ravi, the minister clarified why there was a delay in arresting him.
Araga Jnanendra said, “We will not let Santro Ravi escape. He might have clicked a photo with me. Hundreds of people request me to take a photograph along with them and I cannot say no. Our grade is like that of cinema actors. People approach us lovingly and ask us to click their photos along with us. Even if Santro Ravi comes and stands in front of me, I cannot recognise him. But we will not let him go. Legal action will be taken. Police are conducting operation. He is bit intelligent so he changes his hideout every now and then. There is rowdysheet against him in Mysuru. Goonda Act was also slapped on him. All his dealings will come to light once he is arrested. Clues are available.”
Replying to a query on rampant drug network in Mangaluru, Araga said, “I congratulate Mangaluru police. A drug free Karnataka is our priority. If medical students and professors are involved in narcotics then how is it possible to control? Mangaluru police have taken stern action.
Society has got a good message through the action of Mangaluru police. We will not spare anyone if found to be dealing in drugs. We will take action against peddlers as well as consumers. There is an American citizen among the arrested. He did not clear his course and was residing in Mangaluru. He is also being interrogated. We do not know where this will end. Many more might get arrested.”