US restricts import of areca leaf sheath dinnerware: PM Modi urged to intervene for lifting of curb
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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.
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Veteran Tamil film producer Rajan dies after jumping into Adyar River
Chennai (PTI): Veteran Tamil film producer K Rajan died after jumping into the Adyar River in the city on Sunday, police said.
Police said it appears to be a case of suicide, though the reason for his extreme step was not immediately known.
The 85-year-old film personality asked his driver to stop the car while crossing the Adyar bridge and suddenly got out and jumped into the river, police sources said.
The driver immediately alerted Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem.
Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.
Rajan entered the Tamil film industry as a producer in the early 1980s. Apart from producing films, he also directed a few movies.
He also served as president of a film distributors’ association.
Top leaders of political parties, including the two Dravidian majors—the DMK and AIADMK—expressed shock and grief over his death and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Former Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin said Rajan had always boldly raised his voice for the welfare of small film producers and the overall development of the film industry.
“He had always urged that Tamil films be titled in Tamil,” Stalin said in a statement, adding that Rajan consistently fought for the rights of ordinary workers in the film industry.
AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said Rajan’s voice was important in securing recognition for small-budget films in the Tamil film industry.
Among others who condoled his death was PMK founder S Ramadoss. Leaders from various parties also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
“This is terrible news. Deeply shocked to hear about the demise of our beloved member of the film fraternity, producer K Rajan sir,” actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar said in a post on social media platform X.
“He was a very respectful person and someone who never hesitated to call a spade a spade. This is very upsetting. May his soul rest in peace,” she added.
