Imported roasted arecanut being 'misclassified', could disrupt market: CAMPCO
Mangaluru (Karnataka) Jan 25 (PTI): Mangaluru-based multi-state cooperative, Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative, expressed concern on Saturday over the challenges faced by domestic arecanut growers due to the import of roasted arecanut into India.
CAMPCO has sent a letter, dated January 25, to Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal seeking his intervention immediately.
"Imported roasted arecanut is being classified under HSN code 20081920 as a value-added product, allegedly bypassing customs duties through misclassification," CAMPCO wrote in the letter.
This practice, CAMPCO asserted, disrupts market equilibrium, denying domestic growers fair prices for their produce despite supply shortages.
According to CAMPCO, the imports are facilitated through Advance Ruling Licences, which attract only 12 per cent GST.
The imported arecanut is being mixed with locally produced arecanut and sold, compromising product quality, it alleged.
"Such practices may lead to rejection by bulk buyers, affecting the reputation and demand for arecanut in both domestic and northern markets," added CAMPCO.
Consequently, prices of locally grown arecanut are likely to plummet, significantly impacting growers’ incomes, pointed out the organisation.
To address these issues, CAMPCO has appealed to the government to set a Minimum Import Price (MIP) for all arecanut imports, introduce a unified HSN code for all forms of arecanut to prevent misclassification and strengthen regulatory measures, and frame policies to ensure fair prices for domestic growers.
Additionally, CAMPCO has urged growers to avoid purchasing imported arecanut or mixing it with local produce to safeguard the interests of the farming community. The organisation remains committed to protecting the welfare of arecanut farmers.
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CSK's Ayush Mhatre ruled out of remainder of IPL 2026 due to hamstring injury
New Delhi (PTI): Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing IPL season due to a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to the five-time champions.
The franchise said Mhatre, who sustained the injury during CSK’s previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, will require a rehabilitation period of six to 12 weeks.
"Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
"Ayush's injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks," CSK announced on its social media on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old, who came in as an impact substitute, was seen in visible discomfort and clutched his hamstring while attempting a run during CSK’s 10-run loss to SRH in Hyderabad.
He required on-field treatment and, although he continued briefly, was dismissed soon after.
"It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he's going to be a big, big loss because he's been in really nice touch for us," CSK's batting coach Mike Hussey had said at the post-match press conference.
Mhatre has been CSK's standout batter this season. He lea collecting 201 runs from six matches at a strike-rate of 177.87.
Chennai Super Kings have endured a poor start to the 2026 season, losing four of their six matches to languish in eighth place.
