The inter-state cooperative CAMPCO is set to scale its arecanut operations across India. The move includes a new export unit in Mangaluru and a major international conference in 2027.

  • CAMPCO to expand arecanut procurement and sales operations across India.
  • A new dedicated arecanut export unit will be established in Mangaluru.
  • An international arecanut conference is scheduled for January 2027 in Mangaluru.
  • Member-growers will receive a 14% dividend this year.

The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Ltd. (CAMPCO), a vital inter-state cooperative representing arecanut growers from Karnataka and Kerala, has announced a strategic decision to expand its operations on a national scale. Speaking at the cooperative's 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mangaluru, President S.R. Satishchandra outlined a vision to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

According to Satishchandra, the expansion involves signing agreements with cooperative societies across various Indian states to facilitate direct procurement and sales. This nationwide footprint will allow CAMPCO to not only source arecanut from other states but also to procure diverse agricultural produce for sale within the core markets of Karnataka and Kerala.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that CAMPCO's transition from a regional player to a national entity is a significant move to stabilize prices and empower small-scale farmers. By integrating more states into its procurement network, CAMPCO can mitigate regional supply fluctuations and create a more robust supply chain that challenges global market dynamics.

To withstand global market volatility, cooperative organizations must evolve from regional entities into national powerhouses.

In a major boost to its international ambitions, CAMPCO has decided to set up a specialized arecanut export unit in Mangaluru. Furthermore, the cooperative is exploring the possibility of diversifying its procurement portfolio to include jackfruit and cashew nuts, mirroring its existing successful models with cocoa, rubber, and pepper.

Historical Background

CAMPCO has long served as the backbone for arecanut and cocoa growers in South India. Founded on the principles of cooperative strength, it has helped protect farmers from middleman exploitation. The organization is also working to honor its late founder, Varanasi Subraya Bhat, by seeking a Padma Shri award in recognition of his monumental contributions to the farming community.

During the AGM, member-growers raised several critical points, including the need for incentive payments during price surges, easier access to insurance, and increased investment in arecanut research. To reward its members, the AGM officially approved a 14% dividend distribution for the current year.

Did You Know?: CAMPCO is planning a massive international conference in January 2027 to discuss food safety and sustainability in the arecanut industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of CAMPCO's expansion?
The goal is to compete in the global market by expanding procurement and sales operations to a national level.

2. Will CAMPCO deal in crops other than arecanut?
Yes, CAMPCO already deals in cocoa, rubber, and pepper, and is now considering jackfruit and cashew nuts.