The Hindu Business Line : Arecanut meet stresses role of SHGs in plantations

More recommendations
The larger cooperatives may extend support to areca mills through procurement guarantee.
The processing of associate crops can also be taken up in these mills.
Pharmacological studies for using the medicinal quantities of arecanut should be taken up through Ayurveda institutions and drug manufacturers.

Our Bureau

Mangalore, Aug. 10

The use of self-help groups (SHGs) to tackle labour shortage in arecanut plantations and the formation of a federation of cooperatives dealing in arecanut and associated crops were the main recommendations at the international conference on the future of arecanut, here on Sunday. Organised by the Mangalore-based Arecanut Research and Development Foundation, the second day proceedings of the conference here on Sunday came out with a set of recommendations for the welfare of the arecanut sector.

On labour shortage

The conference suggested that SHGs may be organised more extensively to face the new environment of labour shortage.

This will lead to new and innovative practices in the mode of production of the commodity. Extending the concept to processing sector, the conference suggested that areca mills be set up.

These mills should be set up by Souharda cooperatives.

The larger cooperatives may extend support to them through procurement guarantee.

Mills as multipurpose processing centres

Stressing the need for making these mills as multipurpose processing centres, the conference maintained that the processing of associate crops can also be taken up in these mills.

Proposing the establishment of a federation of cooperatives dealing with arecanut and associated crops, the conference noted that such a federation should address common issues and carry out the advocacy functions. The federation will help in bringing stability in the arecanut market. The conference recommended studies on cost of production to arrive at minimum standard procedures in production and processing.

Study on cultivation

It noted that collection of data on area and quantity of production may be systematised by developing a system of data collection with the help of satellite-based surveys of area under arecanut cultivation. It also favoured the development of value-added products out of arecanut, such as tanning and colouring agents, through standardised procedures.

Tap medicinal potential

To allay fears on the effects of arecanut on health, extensive medical research should be conducted. In addition to this, pharmacological studies for using the medicinal quantities of arecanut should be taken up through Ayurveda institutions and drug manufacturers, it noted. The Karnataka Horticulture Minister, Mr S.K. Bellubbi, and the Chairman of Karnataka Bank, Mr Ananthakrishna, attended the valedictory function.