Karnataka Assures Fair Compensation for Betel Nut Growers’ Losses
22-Aug-2025 01:17 PM
New Delhi. On receiving information about heavy loss of crop due to fatal disease in Karnataka, the most prominent producer of betel nut, a high level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Union Agriculture Minister in which Union Minister, Union Minister of State and Ministers and MPs from major betel nut producing areas of Karnataka participated.
Union Agriculture Minister directed agricultural scientists to submit research report as soon as possible on the issue whether betel nut is non-carcinogenic or not.
Union Agriculture Minister said in the meeting that betel nut producers will be given proper compensation for the loss suffered due to fatal disease.
The Agriculture Minister said that the interests of betel nut producers will be fully protected and she herself will visit Karnataka to assess the situation. Heavy Industries Minister and Food Minister (both from Karnataka), Karnataka Ministers, MPs and senior officials etc.
were present in this meeting. In this meeting, many issues related to betel nut were discussed in detail and measures to solve various problems were discussed. It is worth noting that Karnataka is the largest producer of betel nut and its contribution to national production is more than 50 percent.
The Union Agriculture Minister, citing a report of the World Health Organization, said that this report has created some confusion about the betel nut produced in Karnataka.
To remove this misconception, a team of scientists of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is conducting an intensive study campaign and has been asked to submit its report within a stipulated time frame.
Karnataka produced 10.32 lakh tonnes of betel nut during the 2023-24 season, while its total production at the national level was recorded at 14.11 lakh tonnes.
Betel nut in Karnataka is mainly produced in districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur, Shivamogga, North Kannada, Davanagere, Tunkur and Kodagu. A severe outbreak of rain fruitrot disease is being seen.