3 weeks ago
Karnataka Arecanut Growers Seek Protection Amid Gutkha Ban
In the state of Karnataka in India, the government has banned the sale of gutkha, pan masala and other products that contain tobacco or nicotine.
These products can be harmful to people's health, so the government wants to stop them for one year.
Farmers who grow arecanut, also known as betel nut, are worried that the ban might hurt them too.
Arecanut is a crop that farmers have grown for a very long time, and many families earn their living from it.
The farmers say they support the government's health measures.
But they say arecanut is not a tobacco or nicotine product, so it should not be treated like one.
They asked the government to make sure the ban only targets the harmful products and not the arecanut crop.
Leaders Mahesh Puchapady and SR Satishchandra spoke on behalf of grower groups and cooperatives.
They showed that Karnataka earns a lot of tax money from arecanut, which proves how important the crop is.
A local leader named Ashok Kumar Rai also promised to raise the farmers' concerns with the Chief Minister.
The Government of Karnataka issued a notification on 10 August 2026 prohibiting the sale and distribution of gutkha, pan masala and other products containing tobacco and/or nicotine for one year.
Farmer groups and cooperatives urged the government to ensure enforcement of the ban does not affect arecanut growers or the legitimate arecanut trade.
All India Arecanut Growers' Association president Mahesh Puchapady said arecanut, a traditionally cultivated crop, should not be equated with tobacco and nicotine products.
CAMPCO president SR Satishchandra cited GST data showing Karnataka's arecanut collections rose from Rs 172.62 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 379.34 crore in 2025-26.
Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said he would take up the arecanut growers' issue with the Chief Minister.
- Who
- Arecanut growers and farmer organisations, including All India Arecanut Growers' Association president Mahesh Puchapady, CAMPCO president SR Satishchandra, and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai
- What
- Urged the Karnataka government to ensure enforcement of the ban on tobacco and nicotine products does not affect arecanut growers or the legitimate arecanut trade
- Where
- Karnataka, India (reported from Mangaluru)
- When
- Karnataka's prohibition notification was issued on 10 August 2026, with a Food Safety Department press note on 12 August 2026; the ban lasts one year
- Why
- To protect arecanut, a traditional plantation crop and major livelihood source for farmers, from unintended consequences of enforcement against tobacco and nicotine products
Public Health Perspective
Arecanut Growers' Perspective
Arecanut vs. tobacco and nicotine products
Public Health Perspective
Gutkha, pan masala and other products containing tobacco or nicotine are harmful, and the state's one-year prohibition is a valid public health measure.
Arecanut Growers' Perspective
Arecanut is a traditionally cultivated agricultural crop and must not be viewed in the same light as tobacco or nicotine products.
Scope of enforcement
Public Health Perspective
Special inspections covering manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale should be rigorously pursued to protect public health.
Arecanut Growers' Perspective
Enforcement should focus solely on the prohibited products and must not result in unintended consequences for arecanut growers or the legitimate arecanut trade.
Key facts
- State
- Karnataka, India
- Prohibition
- One-year ban on sale and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products such as gutkha and pan masala
- Notification date
- 10 August 2026
- Legal basis
- Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- All India Arecanut Growers' Association president
- Mahesh Puchapady
- CAMPCO president
- SR Satishchandra
- Arecanut GST collection (2021-22 to 2025-26)
- Rs 172.62 crore to Rs 379.34 crore
- Puttur MLA
- Ashok Kumar Rai
Quotes
S R Satishchandra, President of CAMPCO
President of Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited
“The arecanut growers’ association has no objection to the public health measures being taken by the government against tobacco and nicotine products. However, prohibited products containing tobacco and nicotine should not be viewed in the same light as arecanut, which is traditionally cultivated as an agricultural crop.”
deccanchronicle.com
“There must be a clear distinction between arecanut as an agricultural commodity and products containing tobacco and nicotine. The enforcement of the notification should remain focused on the prohibited products and should not result in unintended consequences for arecanut growers or the legitimate arecanut trade.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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