Provide special packages to arecanut growers affected by rot disease: DVS

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Suresh Vamanjoor)

August 30, 2013

Mangalore, Aug 30: Highlighting the woes of arecanut growers in the state affected by fruit rot disease, former chief minister of Karnataka D V Sadananda Gowda has urged the state government to provide compensation to the affected growers along with necessary measures to help the farmers to cultivate alternative crops.

Addressing mediapersons at a press conference here on Friday, he said that due to continual rains in certain parts of Karnataka this year, arecanut growers in the state incurred huge losses owing to the spread of fruit rot disease. Majority of arecanut plantations in five districts including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have been ravaged by fruit rot disease, which has resulted in losses of about 60-90 percent to agriculturists who are now in financial crisis. Hence, the state and central governments should announce special packages for affected agriculturists, he said.

Stating that the present government was oblivious to the woes of the arecanut growers, he said that so far no efforts have been taken by the state government to respond to their problems. A minimum compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided to the farmers by the state government, he said, urging the government to announce the special package by September 5.

He said that a committee should be formed to visit the affected arecanut plantations, conduct a scientific survey and determine the compensation for each grower as per the losses incurred by him.

Former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa said that along with providing compensation to affected growers, the government should take steps to encourage and assist farmers to take up alternative crops.

BJP leaders Nalin Kumar Kateel, Nagaraj Shetty and Sulochana Bhat were present among others.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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