Politicians from areca growing areas oppose ban on sale of gutka, pan masala

The elected representatives argue that the decision would badly affect areca growers. | Photo Credit: File Photo Elected representatives from areca-growing regions, including Shivamogga, have opposed the Karnataka government’s ban on the sale of gutka, pan masala and other tobacco- or nicotine-containing products, arguing that the decision would badly affect areca growers.Tirthahalli MLA and former Minister Araga Jnanendra, who is also president of Federation of Arecanut Marketing Cooperative Societies, said gutka contained areca, and hence the ban on gutka and pan masala would impact areca growers. “Areca is currently grown in over 145 taluks of the State, with nearly 10 lakh families engaged in its cultivation. Following the government order, the price of areca has fallen by ₹2,000 per q