The Hindu Business Line : Call for post-harvest market research in arecanut

The frequent crashes in prices of arecanut, reported instances of large-scale import of the commodity and the threats in the form of ban on `gutkha' (arecanut is a major ingredient in it) have necessitated the need for a post-harvest market research system for arecanut.

Cooperatives and growers are of the opinion that the time is now ripe for the establishment of post-harvest market research system for arecanut, either by the Government or by cooperatives.

Mr S.R. Rangamurthy, President of Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd, told Business Line here on Tuesday that there was a need for a system that can take up work on post-harvest research.

"In fact, we had requested the Union Government to provide such a system for the commodity 10 years ago. The Government had contemplated a move to ban `gutkha' for the first time then. It is for the fourth time we are facing such a threat," he said.

Mr Shridhar Bhide, President of Mangalore Agriculturists' Sahakari Sangha (MASS) Ltd, said both white and red varieties of arecanut had different markets and grow in different regions.

But there was no adequate data on their production and the markets. (Red arecanut is used in gutkha, while white one is used for paan).

Mr M. Srinivasa Achar, President of the All-India Arecanut Growers' Association, said most growers had little knowledge about the marketing aspects.

The arecanut research station of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute at Vittal in Dakshina Kannada district focuses on pre-harvest activities, including development of crop varieties.

There is need for such a system to foresee the market conditions and provide better value for the growers.

Value-addition

Adding value to the commodity can expand market for it. "Though there has been mention about the medicinal values of arecanut in various ancient scripts, not much research has been done on this. If a body takes up research on the medicinal value of the commodity, it will surely help provide a better market for arecanut," Mr Bhide said.

Stating that cashew was used as an ingredient in some biscuits, he said: "A post-harvest market research institute can also research on such aspects."

Earlier, MASS initiated a new marketing strategy by selling white arecanut in small packets in northern India. This effort has caught the attention of consumers there, he said.

Mr Rangamurthy said Campco had over three decades of experience in arecanut marketing, and can offer its services for any post-harvest market research.

Setting up institute

Asked whether the Union Government should establish an institute for post-harvest market research on the commodity, he said it would be good if the Government initiated such a move.

Mr Bhide said the Government should support cooperatives for such a venture. All cooperatives should come together to form an institute.

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