The government has increased the minimum import price of areca nuts by Rs 35 to Rs 110 per kg. The above step is taken in order to curb inward shipments, especially from Bangladesh and to protect domestic industry. During April-December 2012-13, import of areca nuts from Bangladesh as per estimates has increased to Rs 321 crore from Rs 116-crore in full 2011-12 fiscal. The imports stood at Rs 24 crore in 2010-11 and Rs 18 crore in 2009-10.
A delegation of Central Areca nut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative (Campco) has recently met Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Anup Pujari and demanded to raise the minimum import price. The main activity of the Mangalore-based Campco is to promote and develop production, marketing and processing of areca, cocoa and rubber.
