START: V.S. Acharya, Minister for Home, inaugurating the conference on ‘future of areca nut’ in Mangalore on Saturday. D. Veerendra Heggade (left), president of Areanut Research and Development Foundation, and D.V. Sadananda Gowda are seen.

MANGALORE: A serious concern was expressed over the uncontrolled expansion of the area under areca nut cultivation in the two-day conference on the “future of areca nut” here on Saturday.

Echoing the sentiments of a majority of people involved in areca nut trade was D. Chandrashekar Chowta, a progressive farmer from Manjeshwar, Kerala, who sought measures to restrict its cultivation to the areas which were traditionally known for it.

Arecanut Research and Development Foundation, Mangalore, is hosting the conference which will conclude on Sunday. (more…)

Releasing a book on arecanut at the Intenational Conference

Mangalore, Aug 9 To encourage research and development activities in arecanut sector, the Karnataka Government has announced Rs 2 crore for the Mangalore-based Arecanut Research and Development Foundation (ARDF).

Addressing the delegates at the international conference on the ‘future of arecanut’, organised by ARDF in Mangalore on Saturday, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa, Karnataka Chief Minister, said ARDF has been carrying out research activities on the alternative and medicinal uses of arecanut. The ARDF, which demanded Rs 5 crore for the research activities from the Karnataka Government, will be sanctioned Rs 2 crore, he said. (more…)