Chikkamagaluru: Union minister for heavy industries and steel, HD Kumaraswamy, on Wednesday assured arecanut farmers and coffee planters of developing scientific and permanent solutions to the problems faced by farmers in the Malnad region.Kumaraswamy was interacting with the members of Malenadu Region Arecanut Growers Association. Arecanut growers have been facing yellow leaf disease and leaf dot disease. In addition, wild animal conflict is rampant in the region.He stated that he understood the problems of the farmers in the region. The condition of arecanut growers is in a dire state, and many large farmers have migrated to other places to sustain their livelihoods. “I will discuss the matter with the concerned ministers and come up with suitable scientific permanent solutions,” Kumaraswamy assured.Arecanut is a traditional crop of the Malnad region and is known for its quality. Many farmers depend on it for their livelihood, said JD(S) MLC SL Bhojegowda. He also added that the farmers have been striving hard to lead a dignified life and that there must be immediate attention.Talvane Prakash, association president, said crop diseases, climate anomalies, unstable prices, revenue policies, forest policies, lack of clarity on eviction, wildlife encroachment, inability to cultivate alternative crops, and the influx of poor-quality areca and black pepper from abroad were the major issues in the region.In many parts of Sringeri and Koppa, areca plantations affected by the yellow leaf disease are yielding only 5%, resulting in a 95% crop loss, leaving farmers in distress. Research centres have not yet discovered an effective remedy, and the fertilisers and initial treatment medicines recommended by these centres are financially out of reach for farmers whose plantations are affected. The research centres in Sringeri and Thirthahalli are inactive.Despite the central govt providing substantial funding to Shivamogga university and CPCRI, the response remains “research on areca leaf spot is ongoing,” while plantations continue to be destroyed, he pointed out. Due to the continuous rainfall ranging from 120 to 150 inches annually, there is no alternative crop that can yield results throughout the year.Although the Union govt is ready to release its share of funds for managing yellow leaf disease and leaf spot disease (Rs 225.73 crore in 2022 and Rs 175 crore last year), the state has not allocated its share, resulting in no relief reaching the farmers, he claimed. He urged authorities to take appropriate measures to stop illegal import of areca and black pepper.
