PANAJI
Local vegetable production, including cucumber, okra (bhindi), cluster beans and cabbage -- has significantly spiked and the dependency on Belgavi and other agriculture hubs has reduced, according to Goa Horticulture Corporation.
The Corporation's 'assured market scheme' is one factor that has encouraged local farmers to venture into vegetable farming in a big way, the official said.
The scheme assures a market for the farmers produce and offers prices which are significantly lucrative, said GSHDC General Manager, Chandrahas Desai, adding that production of certain types of vegetables like cucumber, okra, konkan dudhi (bottle gourd), eggplant, green chillies and cabbage is indeed marching towards self-sufficiency in the State.
The import of these vegetables from Belagavi, Desai said has dropped by over 30 per cent and the Corporation no longer is heavily dependent on importing these varieties.
Desai said the Corporation purchases these vegetables from farmers in Goa and distributes it to its outlets across the State.
"Some portion of what is procured is also routed to the open market and private traders. In a few instances when stocks are excessive, they are even exported to Belagavi," Desai said.
Over the last six years since the scheme was instituted in 2019-20, the number of farmers who grow vegetables opting for it has risen by 167 from 1,081 at the start to 1,248 in 2024-25.
Also, the quantum of vegetables produced by these farmers has also increased by 658 metric tonnes, Desai said.
In 2023-24, 1,509 metric tonnes of vegetable produce was procured from 1,187 farmers. In 2024-25, the quantum of vegetable produce bought from the local farmers jumped to 1,624 metric tonnes. The number of farmers also increased to 1,248.
Desai also said that rates at which the Corporation buys the vegetables from the farmers varies according to the market conditions.
"If the open market prices go up above the price set by the Corporation, the rates are increased proportionately," Desai added.
