Delegation meets Maharashtra CM over arecanut truck seizures
A delegation of areca growers from Karnataka met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, seeking his intervention in the seizure of over 50 trucks carrying arecanuts by the Maharashtra Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA). The trucks, which had proper documentation, were intercepted at various transport hubs in Maharashtra while en route to markets in North India.
Growers claim harassment despite valid papers
The delegation, led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, submitted a memorandum detailing the issue. They argued that the seizures were causing significant financial losses and disrupting the supply chain. According to the growers, the FDA officials demanded additional certifications not typically required for interstate movement of agricultural produce.
Impact on trade and farmers
Karnataka is the largest producer of arecanut in India, and Maharashtra serves as a key transit route for shipments to northern states. The seizure of 50 trucks, each carrying several tonnes of arecanut, has led to a backlog at warehouses and raised concerns among farmers about price crashes. The delegation stressed that such actions could discourage trade and harm the livelihoods of thousands of growers.
Joshi said, "The growers are law-abiding and have all necessary documents. The FDA's action is unwarranted and must be reviewed immediately." The delegation urged Fadnavis to direct the FDA to release the seized trucks and issue clear guidelines to prevent future incidents.
Maharashtra government's response
Chief Minister Fadnavis assured the delegation that he would look into the matter and instructed the state's food safety department to verify the documentation. He said, "We will ensure that legitimate trade is not hampered. If the papers are in order, the goods will be released promptly."
The FDA had reportedly seized the trucks citing concerns over the use of certain additives in arecanuts. However, the growers maintain that the products comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms.
Industry calls for central guidelines
The arecanut industry has long faced regulatory hurdles in inter-state transport. Growers and traders have urged the central government to standardize documentation requirements for agricultural commodities. The current incident has reignited calls for a single-window clearance system to avoid such disputes.
The delegation also met with Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration officials to discuss the matter. They are hopeful that the intervention of the CM will lead to a swift resolution and prevent further losses.
