Mangaluru: The All India Arecanut Growers’ Association has urged the state and central govts to take immediate measures to address multiple issues faced by the farmers, including shortage of copper sulphate – a key component in arecanut farming.Farmers heavily depend on the Bordeaux mixture, a fungicide used to control ‘kole roga’ (a fungal disease), which affects arecanut plantations during the rainy season. Copper sulphate and lime are the main ingredients required for its preparation.However, there is a shortage of raw materials needed for production of copper sulphate, particularly sulphuric acid and copper, leading to supply disruptions.Mahesh Puchapady, the president of All India Arecanut Growers’ Association, told TOI the price of copper sulphate has increased significantly, and concerns are being raised about a decline in quality. He also pointed out that no alternative solution has been recommended by agricultural agencies so far.In the absence of official recommendations, farmers risk losing insurance coverage if they experiment with substitutes and suffer crop loss, he said.Following a recent meeting of growers, the association has decided to flag these concerns with the state and Union govts.Meanwhile, the association has also urged the central and state horticulture departments and CPCRI to publish scientific recommendations on effective alternatives to Bordeaux mixture.It has further demanded that subsidies be extended to such alternative disease-control products and sought an increase in subsidy limits for copper sulphate.Welcoming the extension of the July-end deadline for payment of weather-based arecanut crop insurance premium, the association said issues such as premature nut fall and stalk drying due to excessive heat have been rising over the past two to three years.The association has urged the govt to scientifically record rainfall and temperature anomalies, provide compensation and insurance support for losses, and immediately release pending crop insurance claims.Highlighting the import of poor-quality arecanuts through illegal channels, the association has urged the Centre to take strict measures to completely ban such illegal imports.Demanding a Rs 451 hike in the minimum import price to protect domestic growers, the association has urged the govt to decide on private player entry into power distribution only after a comprehensive study.Farmers in Dakshina Kannada are facing difficulties in renewing gun licences issued for crop protection, the association further said, urging the authorities to simplify the renewal process to ensure timely support in safeguarding crops from wild animals.
