The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd., should have mechanism for innovation and research to stay relevant in the present age, said Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta in Mangaluru on Friday.

Speaking at the founders day programme of Campco, Capt. Chowta said any organisation, to stay relevant in the present generation, should always think of new possibilities of growth. Innovation is key for growth.

“We (younger generation) are certainly not belittling contribution of those who worked for Campco’s growth so far. But a constant re-thinking is necessary in Campco to cash in ocean of possibilities (for growth). I will support all initiatives taken by Campco for growth and also address its problems,” the MP said. Campco should focus on innovation and collaborate with educational institutions in this regard, he said.

Company’s resident Kishore Kumar Kodgi said Campco has continued to grow, by following ideals set forth by founder Varanashi Subraya Bhat in 1973. About ₹20 crore has been spent for procuring crushers and other advanced machineries for their chocolate plant in Puttur. The company is working on getting more land for its arecanut grading unit in Baikampady in Mangaluru.

While trying to reach its chocolates and other products across all age groups, Campco was giving a good price to farmers by procuring arecanut, cocoa, pepper, and coconut, he said.

Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Director K. Balachandra Hebbar said the Institute has tied up with 16 institutions, including some private institutions in Mangaluru, in ongoing study that chewing arecanut will not cause cancer. Research was taken up to work out ways to reduce moisture content of ‘Chali’ in arecanut to 7% as required under FSSAI standards for nuts and condiments.

The CPCRI unit in Vitla has the facility that will help farmers in early detection of yellow leaf disease in arecanut plantations, which will help them in effectively preventing spread of the disease, Mr. Hebbar said.