CAMPCO wants govt to check illegal arecanut import
Mangaluru, Jan 24: The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (CAMPCO) has expressed concern over the 'illegal import' of arecanut through various channels to the state, which is posing a threat to the domestic market, resulting in financial loss to the government.
In a statement here, CAMPCO president Krishore Kumar Kodgi said arecanut is surreptitiously finding its way into the country, notably through the integrated cargo terminal of Mangaluru International Airport.
The airport, in a media release, had stated that it facilitated the inbound handling of arecanut weighing 1,519 kg in 60 bags as belly air cargo from Agartala in Tripura to Mangaluru through its integrated cargo terminal (ICT) in January.
Kodgi said the unlawful practice adversely affects the local farmers and cooperative organisations in stabilising arecanut prices in the domestic market. It also denies the livelihood of people dependent on arecanut cultivation, he said.
ALSO READ: Mangaluru: Toddy tapper falls to death
He wanted the government to take urgent steps to check the illegal import of arecanut. The authorities should urgently examine the origin, pricing and accompanying documentation of the imported arecanut, and help check tax evasion to safeguard the interest of arecanut growers, Kodgi said.
The CAMPCO has written letters to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddramaiah in this regard, he added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Deve Gowda hints at NDA tie-up for local body, Panchayat polls
Bengaluru: JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has indicated that the party is open to an understanding with the NDA in the upcoming local body, taluk and zilla panchayat elections.
Speaking to reporters at J.P. Bhavan on Wednesday, he said the JD(S) is a regional party, while the BJP is a national party. “We have to wait and see what decision they take regarding a pre-poll alliance. As far as local body elections are concerned, we will discuss the matter together before taking a decision,” he said.
Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s allegation that the JD(S) does not give positions to anyone outside the family, Deve Gowda said the charge has no substance. “My memory is still strong. I will respond to everything at the appropriate time,” he remarked.
He also said that a JD(S) convention will be held in Vijayapura on February 27 and that he has been invited to participate in the event.
