Karnataka BJP unit today urged the Centre to bring down the GST on pan masala to 5% from the existing 18% and also hike the minimum import price (MIP) of arecanut to Rs 300/kg to save domestic growers reeling under the crisis due to lower prices.

Domestic prices of arecanut have fallen sharply to Rs 280/kg at present from the high of Rs 380/kg last year owing to cheaper and poor quality import of the commodity from Sri Lanka and other countries, it said.

A representation in this regard has been made to the union ministries of agriculture, commerce and finance separately by the Karnataka BJP Arecanut Cell President and MLA Araga Jnanendra.

"Arecanut growers are in distress due to falling prices. There is a need to curb cheaper imports and encourage value addition of arecanut," Jnanendra told reporters here.