<h1>India Hikes Areca Nut Import Price to Rs. 162/kg to Protect Local Farmers; Tightens Quality Checks and Origin Verification.</h1> The Department of Commerce has raised the Minimum Import Price (MIP) for areca nuts from Rs. 110 to Rs. 162 per kg to curb imports from countries like Indonesia and Myanmar, which benefit from low import duties under SAFTA. This decision follows concerns from stakeholders about the impact of these imports on domestic markets. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed its field offices to strictly enforce quality standards for imported areca nuts. Customs authorities have been directed to verify the origin of imports carefully to prevent misuse of low-duty provisions, aiming to protect domestic farmers' interests.