Puttur : State Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ramanatha Rai has said that  the ban on Gutka will not affect Chaali areca  growers.

Speaking to reporters here, the minister said the areca growers need not fear due to Gutka ban.  Stating that  though areca is grown in 20 districts of the state, the areca grown here is not used for Gutka. However the Coca Areca is used for Gutka manufacture, he said and rubbished the claims that the gutka ban will bring down areca prices.

 He also stated that the government banned Gutka as per the Supreme Court ruling and added that  the government would ensure that areca growers are not harmed.