ARDF Meeting Chaired by Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade Decides to Expand Scope to Other Cash Crops and Host International Arecanut Summit 2027

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Mangaluru : A high-level meeting of the Arecanut Research and Development Foundation (ARDF) was convened on October 26, 2026, under the chairmanship of Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. At the outset of the proceedings, the committee members extended their heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade on the auspicious occasion of his 59th Pattabhisheka Vardhanti (Coronation Anniversary), acknowledging his legendary service to society and agriculture.

During the meeting, Sri S. R. Satishchandra, Managing Trustee of ARDF and President of CAMPCO, highlighted that 34 arecanut samples were referred to ARDF by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Department during the current year for testing and examination, underscoring the foundation’s growing national-level expertise and credibility. The board engaged in extensive deliberations regarding the grand International Arecanut Summit proposed to be organized in 2027 in joint collaboration with CAMPCO, with Dr. Heggade assuring his full guidance and complete support toward making the global event a resounding success.

To broaden its scientific horizon beyond arecanut, the trust resolved to make necessary amendments to its Trust Deed, enabling ARDF to expand its research activities into other major agricultural commodities, including black pepper, coffee, cocoa, and rubber. Furthermore, the foundation discussed strategies for obtaining official government recognition for its research institution. It was decided to partner with prominent universities and government research departments, establish state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a comprehensive library, and recruit specialized technical personnel, while initiating necessary discussions with Mangalore University for formal academic tie-ups.

The meeting saw active participation from key agricultural and cooperative sector leaders, including Sri S. R. Satishchandra, Managing Trustee of ARDF and President of CAMPCO; Dr. B. V. Satyanarayana, Managing Director of CAMPCO and Trustee of ARDF; Dr. Keshava Bhat, Executive Officer of ARDF; Sri Surya Narayana, Vice President of Areca Mahamandala; Sri Mahesh H. S., Vice-President of MAMCOS, Shivamogga; Sri Narasimha Hegde, Director of TSS; Sri Madhu, Managing Director of TUMCOS, Channagiri; and economist Dr. Vigneshwara Varmudy, who attended as a special invitee.