Karnataka spice growers oppose cheap imports from Nepal

Sirsi, Karntaka, July 3 (UNI) The Arecanut growers in Katnataka today protested against the illegal imports from Nepal which affected their livelihood, according to Totgar Co-operative Sale Society President Shantaram Hegde.

Talking to newspersons here, he said Arecanut and other spices from Indonesia and Thailand were finding their way into the country from Nepal, using the trading advantages under SAARC.

Mr Hegde said the illegal imports was cheap but its quality was below par. Arecanut growers were badly hit, as imports at Rs 13 a kg, was far below the prevailing price in the country.

He demanded an inquiry into spices pouring in from Nepal, causing huge losses to the exchequer.

UNI