Mangalore : In order to protect the interests of the areca growers by withdrawing the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court over the issue of areca ban, a delegation led by Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda Union Health Minister Dr Harshavardhan and submitted a memorandum in this regard in New Delhi on August 12, Tuesday.

Addressing the media at the press meet held at Hotel Ocean Pearl on August 13 Wednesday, CAMPCO President Konkodi Padmanabha, said that Union minister has given a positive response to the appeal made by delegation for the appointment of Senior Counsel to argue in favour of the arecanut growers. They also appealed to withdraw the affidavit in regard to Special Leave Petition of 2007 for the statement areca nut is injurious to health.

He also urged the government to announce special package for the areca plantations affected by Yellow Leaf Disease and also appoint a senior scientists to make a detailed study, report and suggest some alternate crops to be planted in areca garden.

The delegation also met Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Seetaram and urged to prevent import of areca without any duty from other countries.

The delegation comprised of MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP Shobha Karandlaje, Ananth Kumar Hegde,C. M. Udasi, CAMPCO President Konkodi Padmanabha, Sanjeeva Matandur and Chanila Timmappa Shetty.