Definitive findings on arecanut-cancer link in two years, says ICAR-CPCRI director
The ICAR-CPCRI is conducting a multi-institutional study to determine if arecanut consumption is linked to cancer. Results are expected within two years, marking the first comprehensive global research on the subject.
Why it matters
Arecanut is a widely consumed stimulant in South Asia, and definitive health findings could significantly impact public health policy and the agricultural economy.
K. Balachandra Hebbar, director, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, Keralam, said on Monday that a “definite answer” on whether arecanut consumption results in cancer will be available within the next two years.
The multi-institutional research project titled ‘Evidence-Based Research on Arecanut and Human Health’, which began in 2025, will be completed within the next two years, he said.
ICAR-CPCRI is the coordinator of the Union government-sponsored project.
Speaking at the inauguration of a workshop on ‘Self-Reliant Cocoa Sector: A Roadmap for 2047’ organised by ICAR-CPCRI at its Regional Station in Vitla, Mr. Hebbar said it is a comprehensive and first-of-its-kind research project on arecanut undertaken anywhere in the world.
“In one or two years’ time, we will come out with a definite answer on whether arecanut is really responsible for causing cancer in human beings,” he said.
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