Karnataka farmers urge Union Government to recommend to WHO to re-classify arecanut from ‘carcinogenic’ to ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’

Overview A leading cooperative body, the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO) , representing arecanut farmers in Karnataka and Kerala , has appealed to the Union Health Minister, J. P. Nadda , to recommend that the World Health Organisation (WHO) re-classify arecanut. The concern stems from the possibility that WHO might recommend banning arecanut due to its potential carcinogenic effects. Key Developments CAMPCO's Appeal CAMPCO has formally requested the re-classification of arecanut from Group I to Group II-B by the WHO . This request was made in a letter dated January 24 to the Union Health Minister. WHO Classification The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , under WHO , currently classifies arecanut under Group I (carcinogenic to humans) . Arecoline, a principal constituent of arecanut, is classified under Group II B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) . Rationale for Re-classification CAMPCO argues that the current classification is largely based on studies examining chewing preparations like betel quid, gutkha, and pan masala, which include tobacco and other additives, rather than arecanut in its natural form. They emphasize the need for India -specific scientific scrutiny. Ongoing Research The Indian government is conducting ‘evidence-based research on arecanut and human health,’ led by the Central Arecanut Plantation and Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) , under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) . This multi-institutional research involves: All-India Institute of Medical Sciences National Botanical Research Institute Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Indian Institute of Science Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) Kasturba Medical College K.S. Hegde Medical Academy SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital WHO's Webinar WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) is organizing a webinar on January 30 on the topic ‘Areca Nut Challenge: Turning Policy into Impact in South-East Asia.’ This webinar follows deliberations arising from a declaration made in Sri Lanka in October 2025 , focusing on policy transition and implementation related to arecanut. Socio-Economic Implications A ban on arecanut could have significant socio-economic implications. India is the largest producer of arecanut globally, with its cultivation supporting the livelihood of nearly two crore people across 11 States , including Karnataka , Kerala , Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh , and Assam . Production Statistics As per 2023-24 estimates, Karnataka is the largest producer of arecanut in India , with an annual production of 10.32 lakh tonnes , constituting 73% of the total arecanut production. This is cultivated on an area of 6.77 lakh hectares , which constitutes 71% of the total area under arecanut in India . Total national production stood at 14.11 lakh tonnes . Additional Correspondence Mr. Satishchandra has also written to: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Kerala Chief Minister Pinayari Vijayan Chennai-based M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation Chairperson Soumya Swaminathan