Puttur: With recent reports claiming that areca consumption can cause cancer, there would be separate research done through the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute or some other institute.

Commenting on the same, Union Minister for Skill Development Ananth Kumar Hegade said that the report is unbelievable and since the report has left areca growers in state of fear, a separate research would be conducted soon.

“As an areca nut farmer, I know it well that there is no such aspect attached to the crop. I have observed the Union Health Minister’s reply in this regard in the Parliament and later, we have discussed with the minister and convinced him regarding the facts,” he said.

Speaking to media persons here, he said that the areca nut farmers need not panic following the central government’s reply in the Parliament based on few types of research.

He again reassured that the report and the reactions in the Parliament will hold no implication on areca business and farmers in anyway.