Sirsi: Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri has dismissed the report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a subsidiary of the World Health Organization (WHO), which claims that areca nut causes cancer, calling it baseless and unscientific.
He stated that institutions like Campco and several universities have conducted extensive research and reported that areca nut is not carcinogenic. Furthermore, multiple studies highlight the medicinal properties of areca nut. Issuing a report without considering such scientific evidence is unjustified. Efforts are underway to raise this matter internationally and with WHO to rectify the misconceptions.
Kageri emphasized that areca nut has been used for thousands of years and holds cultural and religious importance. He clarified that areca nut, when separated from tobacco, is not harmful to health, a fact supported by numerous studies and scientific findings. These findings have also been presented to the central government’s Ministry of Health.
He assured that serious measures are being taken at governmental levels to safeguard the interests of areca nut farmers. Discussions with relevant ministers and department heads are in progress to address the issue effectively.
Leading cooperative organizations and research institutions in Karnataka, including Campco, are actively working to protect the rights of areca nut farmers. Continued collaboration in this effort is crucial to ensuring the stability of the areca nut industry.
Kageri stated that conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the areca nut market are being countered in coordination with the Union Ministries of Finance, Commerce, and Health. Regular efforts are underway to implement necessary measures for the farmers' benefit.
He urged farmers not to panic, assuring them of continued support. Karnataka, being the largest producer of areca nut in the country, must address this issue seriously. Kageri also appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene and take immediate action for resolving the matter.
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