The State government today expressed resentment over the Centre's decision to allow import of arecanut.

Arecanut import would adversely affect the growers in Kerala. The State would convey to the Centre its protest against import of arecanut as a product for export raw material, the Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, told reporters after a special Cabinet meeting here.

The State Agriculture Minister, Mr K.P. Mohanan, had recently visited arecanut farms in Kasargode district and submitted a report to the Cabinet, he said.

Assembly session

The month-long monsoon session of Kerala Assembly will begin on June 11, Mr Chandy said. The Cabinet recommended to the Governor, Mr H.R. Bhardwaj, to convene the session to discuss department-wise proposals in the budget passed in March last.

As per the present schedule, the session will continue till July 13, he said.

Endosulfan

On other decisions of the Cabinet, Mr Chandy said the government decided to implement rehabilitation package for people affected by adverse effects of endosulfan pesticide in Kasargode district, recommended by National Human Rights Commission.

He said the recommendations include Rs 5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh each to the families of those who died and those who became disabled respectively due to health problems caused after the spraying of endosulfan in the cashew plantations.

Total estimated cost of the rehabilitation package is Rs 100 crore, he added.

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