Why are Indian farmers asking for arecanut re-classification by the WHO?

Farmers are requesting the WHO re-classify arecanut from Group I (carcinogenic) to Group II-B (possibly carcinogenic) to avoid a potential ban and address concerns about its current classification.

What is the basis for the WHO's current classification of arecanut?

The WHO's classification is reportedly derived from studies examining chewing preparations containing tobacco and other additives, rather than arecanut in its natural or traditional form.

What are the socio-economic implications of a potential arecanut ban in India?

A ban on arecanut would significantly impact India, the largest global producer, potentially affecting the livelihoods of approximately two crore people involved in farming and allied activities.

Home / Health / Arecanut Faces WHO Cancer Scare, Farmers Seek Re-classification

Arecanut Faces WHO Cancer Scare, Farmers Seek Re-classification

26 Jan

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Summary

Farmers want arecanut moved from Group I (carcinogenic) to Group II-B.
India is the world's largest arecanut producer, supporting two crore livelihoods.
WHO classification is based on tobacco-mixed preparations, not pure arecanut.

Arecanut Faces WHO Cancer Scare, Farmers Seek Re-classification

Arecanut farmers in Karnataka and Kerala are advocating for a re-classification of arecanut by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO) has appealed to the Union Health Minister to request the WHO move arecanut from Group I (carcinogenic to humans) to Group II-B (possibly carcinogenic to humans).

This request comes ahead of a WHO webinar on the 'Areca Nut Challenge.' CAMPCO highlights that the WHO's current classification is largely based on studies of tobacco-containing preparations like gutkha, not arecanut in its natural form. They emphasize the need for India-specific research.

India is the world's largest producer of arecanut, with cultivation supporting approximately two crore people across 11 states. A ban would have severe socio-economic consequences.

Karnataka is India's top producer, accounting for 73% of the national output. The government previously informed Rajya Sabha about Karnataka's significant contribution to arecanut production.

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