Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday, August 21, 2025, directed scientists to submit an early research report on whether areca nut is non-carcinogenic, following concerns raised by a World Health Organization (WHO) report.
Chairing a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, Chouhan stated that the report had created confusion about areca nuts produced in Karnataka. To clarify these misconceptions, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is conducting studies and will present findings within a fixed timeframe.
Chouhan highlighted that areca nuts have been consumed in India for centuries and are integral to cultural and religious practices. He noted that diseases like areolate mildew, which threaten areca nut trees, are being addressed by scientific teams, and discussions were held on ensuring the availability of clean planting materials.
Union Minister also indicated that the government is considering compensation for farmers affected by viral infections. Concerns over illegal imports, moisture content, and price differences between small and large nuts were also discussed, with assurances that all issues would be resolved promptly.
India, the world’s largest producer of areca nuts, contributes nearly 63% of global output. During 2023–24, India produced around 14 lakh tonnes from 9.49 lakh hectares, with Karnataka leading at 10 lakh tonnes. The crop holds an estimated market value of Rs 58,664 crore, providing livelihoods to around six million people. Export figures for 2023–24 stood at 10,637 tonnes worth Rs 400 crore, with major buyers including the UAE, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and the Maldives.
To protect farmers, the Centre has imposed a 100% import duty and raised the Minimum Import Price (MIP) from Rs 251 to Rs 351 per kg. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has tightened quality checks, while customs officials have been instructed to ensure strict verification of the origin of imports.
Further, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), significant funds have been allocated for disease management and research, including Rs 3,700 lakh for 2024–25 and Rs 860.65 lakh for 2025–26 in Karnataka, alongside a Rs 9.99 crore project examining areca nut and human health.
Chouhan said he will visit Karnataka soon with a team of experts to review the situation on the ground and chalk out a roadmap for the sector. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers H. D. Kumaraswamy and Pralhad Joshi, Ministers of State, MPs from areca nut–producing regions, and senior officials from relevant departments.
