US restricts import of areca leaf sheath dinnerware: PM Modi urged to intervene for lifting of curb
_vb_97.jpeg)
Bengaluru: Experts from Karnataka, which is the largest arecanut producing state in the country, have expressed worry that the US restrictions on dinnerware made from areca leaf sheath will affect the prospects of the farmers and entrepreneurs and have requested an intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the matter.
Early May, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an import alert and restriction on biodegradable dinnerware made from areca nut leaf sheaths, including plates, cups, and related products. There were claims made that naturally occurring alkaloids in the areca leaf sheath may migrate into food and may pose health risks, reports The Hindu.
As this is expected to hit the prospects of areca farmers and entrepreneurs in areca-growing areas of the state, more than 100 scientists, medical experts and academicians wrote to the PM, asking him to convince the US to lift the restrictions.
Around 1,000 metric tonnes of areca leaf dinnerware have been exported from Karnataka, primarily to the US, as well as to Germany, the UK, Australia, Netherlands, and Canada in recent years. Currently, over 600 enthusiastic entrepreneurs and startups, along with thousands of skilled workers in Karnataka alone, are actively engaged in this eco-friendly sector, they have informed the PM.
With reference to the financial gains, they said that the rate for areca-based dinnerware currently stands at approximately Rs 3,500 crore in the global market. The price expected to double by 2030. India has emerged as a major player, contributing nearly Rs 2,500 crore, with Karnataka leading the country in the manufacturing of areca palm leaf tableware and dinnerware, they pointed out.
Opining that the restrictions were imposed based on ambiguous and unsubstantiated claims and alleging that the US government’s move was unjustifiable against a time-tested, eco-friendly product native to India, they said it reflected the Western world’s dominance in scientific and regulatory matters, along with moral hegemony.
The experts have written to the PM asking him to take urgent steps on both diplomatic and regulatory grounds to counter the unsubstantiated claims and ensure that the curbs are lifted. They also asked him to demand the US authorities to provide a definition for ‘acceptable alkaloid thresholds’ and to provide technical, regulatory, and other necessary support to Indian manufacturers to meet the standards agreeable to the markets.
Further, they appealed for a panel to conduct a research on the safety of arecanut consumption and the use of its by-products through premier institutions as a scientific approach will address the challenge effectively and also strengthen India’s position as a leader in sustainable, tradition-rooted enterprises.
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.
Four more arrested in brigadier assault case in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): Four more accused have been arrested in connection with the alleged assault on an Army brigadier, his son and threatening his wife in southwest Delhi's Vasant Enclave area, police said on Friday.
The accused have been identified as Surjit Singh (36), Sunil Sharma (53) and Ashish (32), all from Mehram Nagar in Delhi, and Satender (35) of Bhiwani in Haryana, police said.
According to police, Surjit Singh was known to the main accused Satender, a director of an aviation company. All of them were sitting together in Mehram Nagar when Satender called them regarding a quarrel in Vasant Enclave.
"Following the call, all four left for the spot in Surjit's white Hyundai Aura. After reaching there, they got involved in the altercation and assault before returning to their respective homes," a senior police officer said.
After learning about the registration of the case, the accused fled and went into hiding, he said.
"Teams were constituted to trace them and all four absconding accused were arrested," he said.
The Hyundai Aura used in the incident has also been recovered, police said.
Further investigation into the case is underway. The role of each accused is being examined, they said.
According to the investigators, the incident took place on the night of April 11, when the brigadier and his son objected to the two men allegedly consuming alcohol inside a car parked outside their residence. Soon, others reached the spot and allegedly assaulted the officer and his son, besides abusing and threatening his wife.
