The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO) is planning to secure government-level recognition for the Arecanut Research and Development Foundation (ARDF) to strengthen research activities and expand its scientific capabilities.
The move follows a meeting of ARDF held on October 26, 2026, under the chairmanship of Dr D. Veerendra Heggade. The meeting discussed collaborations with universities and government research departments to establish well-equipped laboratories, develop a library and appoint the staff required to support research programmes.
Dr B.V. Satyanarayana, managing director of CAMPCO, Mangaluru, said the foundation would explore appropriate partnerships with research institutions to build the necessary infrastructure. It was also decided to obtain relevant information from Mangalore University and initiate further action.
Research Activities to Expand
ARDF currently focuses primarily on arecanut research. However, the foundation plans to widen its scope to include other agricultural commodities, including black pepper, coffee, cocoa and rubber.
To facilitate this expansion, the meeting decided to make the necessary amendments to the foundation’s Trust Deed. The proposed changes are expected to provide a broader framework for research into these crops.
The expansion could help the foundation develop its research capabilities beyond arecanut and support a wider range of agricultural commodities important to farmers and the processing industry.
National Recognition for Testing
During the meeting, S.R. Satishchandra, managing trustee of ARDF and president of CAMPCO, reported that the foundation had received 34 arecanut samples for examination during the current year from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Department.
The samples reflect the national-level recognition ARDF has received for its examination and testing work, according to the foundation’s management.
Strengthening its laboratories and research infrastructure is among the key areas under consideration as the organisation looks to develop its capabilities further.
International Summit Planned for 2027
The meeting also held detailed discussions on the proposed International Arecanut Summit in 2027, which is expected to be organised in collaboration with CAMPCO.
Dr Veerendra Heggade assured his full cooperation in organising the event. The proposed summit is expected to provide a platform for discussions on arecanut and related agricultural sectors.
The meeting was attended by S.R. Satishchandra and Dr B.V. Satyanarayana, along with Dr Keshava Bhat, executive officer of ARDF; Surya Narayana, vice-president of Areca Mahamandala; Mahesh H.S., vice-president of MAMCOS, Shivamogga; Narasimha Hegde, director of TSS; Madhu, managing director of TUMCOS, Channagiri; and Dr Vigneshwara Varmudy, who participated as a special invitee.
The proposed government recognition, institutional collaborations and wider research mandate mark the foundation’s efforts to strengthen its role in agricultural research while preparing for the planned international summit.