The Dakshina Kannada-based Mangala Herbal Park has launched an arecanut extract-based deodorant soap ‘Pooga Singar' in the market.

Mr Badanaje Shankar Bhat, who came out with the formula for this product after conducting research, said the product has been launched after conducting clinical trials. Mr Bhat, who is a progressive farmer, said that one ‘Pooga Singar' contains the extract of one arecanut.

At present, arecanut is used only for chewing. The extracts of arecanut can be used for the manufacture of other value-added products such as soap, ink and herbal coffee among others.

R&D activities

Speaking on the occasion, Mr K. Padmanabha, President of Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd, said that this product is one of the research initiatives of Arecanut Research and Development Foundation.

Stressing the need for agriculture-based industries in the district, Mr Nalin Kumar Kateel, Mangalore MP, said a single cashew processing unit can provide employment to more than 400 people in its vicinity. In the same way, value-added products from arecanut can also help provide employment to many people. Such agriculture-based industries will make growers self-reliant, he added.

Dr D.C. Chowta, a progressive farmer from Kasaragod district of Kerala, said that every one speaks about the food security of the country. But there is a need to focus on farmers' security also. Efforts of Mr Bhat will help provide security to farmers also, he said.

Ms Shailaja Bhat, President of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, requested Campco to earmark a portion of its profit for research and development activities related to the arecanut sector.

Mr M. Srinivasa Achar, President of All-India Arecanut Growers' Association, was present on the occasion.

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