Mangalore: Thousands of arecanut growers on the west coast of India, Karnataka and Kerala state also other 10 states which grow arecanut as cash crop thoughout the year, were assured by Campco president on Wednesday Dec 11 in a press conference, that the Union health department view given to govt. of India to ban arecanut as it was unhelpful to the health of the people, would not carry any weight as, 12 states are growing arecanut palms in their estates as a lively hood for lakhs of farmers and their laborers besides the traders who buy and sell Supari in almost every town all over India for religious purposes and as product to be eaten by common man without dangerous consequences.

The small arecanut which grows in a large bunch at a height from the earth, on which the palm tree stands, is beneficial to its lakhs of users in everyday use in temples at homes and during marriage and such other social and religious occasions any were in India. How can such a crop be banned by centre or by the health department, Campco chief asked the press men.

The areca has given to the governments cores of rupees by way of taxes and other such levies on the sales of areca in the markets and on the products which are largely not dangerous for intake of a human being.

Men women and children make use of arecanut of form one or the other. The Campco as made strenuous efforts to approach courts all over the country to keep areca nut growers out of trouble and their crops out of ban or prohibition so par. There for, there is absolutely no fear from any quarters, even health ministry, to make areca nut a dangerous crop inviting cancer or any other disease as Supari sweet or sour, does not effect any part of the body unless taken in excess.

Konkody Padnabha campco chief, went on to say that scientific documents and findings have proved that arecanut is not dangerous in its essence, as only 0.15 Alkalide is found in its dues when chewed. The Central Health Safety Authority as stated that areca nut was safe food item and a good crop.

Many State government have from time to time assisted the arecanut growers by cash and other plans to save their crops and remove the deceases that affect the crops or the palm trees.

Hence Konkody repeated his assurance to the areca nut farmers at large that they were safe and their plantations were also free from danger by ill-advising parties.

Vice president Satish Bhandary and MD M. Suresh Bhandary of Campco were present at the press meet today.