Ivan D’Souza urges government to release funds to fight areca nut rot

Team Udayavani, Jul 25, 2024, 9:01 AM IST

Bengaluru: Congress leader Ivan D’Souza has urged the government to release at least Rs 50 crore to help farmers control the rot disease affecting areca nut crops.

Citing an article published in Udayavani on July 21, which highlighted the recurrence of the disease, D’Souza drew the government’s attention to the issue during a discussion in the Legislative Council.

He emphasized that due to changing weather conditions, not only is rot disease affecting the crops, but there is also premature shedding of areca nuts, causing further concern.

Farmers in Sullia, Subrahmanya, and Puttur of Dakshina Kannada, as well as those in Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, and other areas, are facing the adverse effects of these weather changes. D’Souza called for both the Horticulture Department and the government to release funds to assist the farmers in controlling the disease. Leader of the House NS Boseraj responded, assuring that a relevant minister would provide an answer.