Mangalore: A delegation from the state recently met Union Finance Minister Chidambaram and briefed him on the problems being confronted by areca growers in Karnataka.

The delegation comprising Shashidar Shetty, leader of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, social activist Vidya Dinker, Union Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily, Oscar Fernandes and Jayaprakash Hegde, MPs, also apprised the minister of the Kole Diesease that has affected areca crops incurring losses to the growers.

It is learnt, the Finance Minister Chidambaram assured the delegation to look into the demand for waiving off loans of areca growers in DK district as well as in the whole state.

Chidambaram is learnt to have told the delegation that he was aware of the problems faced by areca growers.